By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm morning sun of Batac City, local farmers gathered with hopeful smiles as new additions to their farms arrived—not crops, but live animals that promise to boost their livelihood. The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at Mariano Marcos State University recently turned over female carabaos to Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across Ilocos Norte.
On October 30, the Camguidan (SN) Multipurpose Cooperative in Batac City received ten crossbred female carabaos during a ceremonial turnover attended by Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” Chua and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Jessamine Jimenez. Both officials expressed their strong support for initiatives that strengthen farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable agriculture.
The following day, October 31, more farmers benefited from the program. The Duripes Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA) in Bacarra received eight female carabaos, while the San Juan Icas–Maumel Farmer Association in Pasuquin welcomed fifteen crossbred female buffaloes. These animals will aid in farm labor, milk production, and breeding programs, giving farmers a practical boost to their productivity.
The DA-PCC program aims to provide high-quality carabaos to local farmers to improve agricultural efficiency and livelihood opportunities. Female carabaos are particularly valuable because they can reproduce, support draft work in the fields, and produce milk for additional income. By distributing them to organized farmer groups, the program ensures that the benefits are shared within the community and that the animals receive proper care.
Officials emphasized that supporting farmers through livestock programs like this contributes to the larger goal of rural development and food security. The collaboration between DA-PCC, local government units, and farmers’ cooperatives highlights the importance of teamwork in strengthening the agricultural sector.
For many farmers, the arrival of these carabaos is more than just a donation—it is a lifeline that can improve farm productivity, provide a steady source of income, and help build a more resilient rural community.
As Ilocos Norte farmers embrace these new farm partners, the DA continues to encourage organized cooperation, proper care, and sustainable practices to maximize the benefits of livestock programs for the province and beyond.
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