By Kenneth Marcos 
A fresh opportunity for dairy farmers is unfolding in Cagayan as three farmer-entrepreneurs from the Apayao Piat Agricultural Cooperative (APAC) received pregnant crossbred carabaos under the Carabao Herd Buildup (CHB) Project of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU).
The turnover ceremony, held on October 22 in Apayao, Piat, Cagayan, was led by the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) section of DA-PCC. The project aims to strengthen the income sources of local dairy farmers while supporting the province’s agricultural growth.
According to DA-PCC officials, the crossbred carabaos are part of a long-term effort to improve milk production, promote carabao-based enterprises, and ensure sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. These carabaos, known for their higher milk yield compared to native breeds, are expected to provide farmers with additional income through dairy production and carabao-based products such as fresh milk, pastillas, and kesong puti.
The Carabao Herd Buildup Project is one of DA-PCC’s key programs designed to expand the country’s dairy herd population and enhance local milk supply. By distributing pregnant carabaos, the program ensures that beneficiaries will soon have additional animals to raise, thereby sustaining the production cycle.
For the recipients from APAC, this project represents both hope and responsibility. Beyond improving their families’ income, the farmers are expected to serve as models in their community by sharing their knowledge on carabao management and dairy production.
The DA-PCC emphasized that supporting smallholder farmers is essential to achieving the goals of a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”, where agricultural productivity and farmer welfare go hand in hand.
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