By Kenneth Marcos 
On a quiet morning in Kabacan, Cotabato, farmers gathered with a sense of pride and hope as they welcomed new additions to their farms. For many of them, the arrival of healthy pregnant carabaos marked a fresh start toward better income and stronger food security for their families.
Two farmers’ groups in Cotabato province received a total of 10 pregnant carabaos under the Carabao Herd Build-Up Project of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center at the University of Southern Mindanao. The turnover was held on January 26 at the DA-PCC at USM compound in Kabacan, Cotabato.
The beneficiaries of the project were the Tambad Farmers Agriculture Association from Carmen, Cotabato, and the University of Southern Mindanao Academic Support Staff Association Inc. from Kabacan, Cotabato. The activity coincided with the 31st anniversary celebration of the DA-PCC at USM, making the occasion more meaningful for both the institution and the farming communities.
The event was held under the theme “Honoring the Legacy, Rising in New Horizons,” which highlights the continued efforts to strengthen livestock development and improve rural livelihoods in the province. Officials said the distribution reflects the government’s long-term commitment to helping farmers build sustainable sources of income through livestock programs.
Under the Carabao Herd Build-Up Project, farmers receive pregnant carabaos that can help increase milk production, provide farm power, and eventually expand herd size. The program follows a pass-on system, where beneficiaries take care of the animals and later share offspring with other qualified farmers. This system allows the benefits of the project to reach more families over time.
The Philippine Carabao Center said carabaos play a vital role in small farming communities. Aside from helping in land preparation, carabaos provide milk that can be processed into products such as pastillas and cheese, creating additional income opportunities for households.
Officials also emphasized that proper animal care and management are key to the success of the program. Beneficiaries are given training and technical support on feeding, housing, and animal health to ensure that the carabaos remain healthy and productive.
For members of the Tambad Farmers Agriculture Association, the carabaos are expected to support both crop farming and dairy activities. Many of the farmers rely on traditional farming methods and see livestock support as a way to reduce costs and improve efficiency on their farms.
Meanwhile, members of the USM Academic Support Staff Association expressed gratitude for being included in the program. They said the project will help supplement their income and promote awareness of sustainable agriculture within the university community.
The DA-PCC at USM has long been a key partner in developing the carabao industry in Mindanao. Through research, training, and extension services, the center supports farmers in improving productivity and adapting to changing agricultural conditions.
As the program continues, officials encouraged beneficiaries to take good care of the animals and share the knowledge they gain with other farmers in their communities. They said strong cooperation among farmers, institutions, and government agencies is essential to ensuring the success of herd build-up projects.
With the arrival of the pregnant carabaos, farmers in Cotabato are looking ahead with renewed optimism. For them, the animals represent not just livestock, but a chance to build a more stable and sustainable future through hard work and shared responsibility.
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