By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet barangay nestled in the mountains of South Cotabato, hope arrived on four legs. Thirteen dairy cattle were officially turned over to a local association in Barangay Palo, Tampakan last October 17, 2025, aiming to uplift the lives of residents once affected by armed conflict.
The National Dairy Authority (NDA), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (DA-ELCAC) program, led the dispersal of dairy cattle to the group “I Love Tampakan Palo 19.” The group is composed of residents striving to rebuild their community through peaceful and productive means.
According to Dr. Rayan I. Ysulat, Acting Department Manager of NDA-Southern Mindanao, this initiative is part of the government’s wider goal to bring sustainable livelihood to former conflict zones.
“Gusto nating maabot ang mga malalayong lugar na may mga insurgency at bigyan sila ng livelihood,” Ysulat explained.
He added that dairy farming can provide not only income for families but also improve local nutrition, especially among children.
Barangay Chairman Sotero N. Castillanes expressed his deep gratitude to the agencies involved. He highlighted the project’s long-term benefits to the residents.
“Dalawa ang pwedeng maitulong nitong proyekto sa mga tao dito sa barangay. Una, ang livelihood, pangalawa, ang nutrition,” Castillanes said.
Dairy cattle dispersal is one of the NDA’s major programs under the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas food security initiative. The cattle will be raised by members of the association with the support and monitoring of agricultural technicians. Once mature, the cows are expected to produce fresh milk for community use or sale, creating a new source of income for local families.
The DA-ELCAC collaboration also ensures that interventions reach areas identified as previously influenced by communist insurgents, supporting the national goal of achieving lasting peace through inclusive development.
NDA says it is looking forward to expanding the program to other barangays in Mindanao, especially those with the potential to build small-scale dairy enterprises.
As these 13 cattle begin their journey in Barangay Palo, the community looks ahead with renewed optimism — proof that progress, no matter how small, can take root even in places once clouded by conflict.
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