By Kenneth Marcos 
Early morning in Villarey, Piat, Cagayan, farmers gathered under the rising sun, ready to learn new skills that could change their lives. For many, raising water buffaloes for milk is more than a livelihood—it is a chance to build sustainable income for their families and communities.
On February 19–20, members of the Villarey Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (VARBC) and the Villarey Samahang OFWs (VSO) participated in a Social Preparation Training. The program aimed to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and mindset needed to enter the dairy buffalo business successfully.
The training was organized by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at Cagayan State University. Facilitators focused on preparing participants not just in technical skills but also in leadership, teamwork, and business management—critical elements for running a profitable and sustainable dairy enterprise.
Officials said the Social Preparation Training helps ensure that farmers are ready to face challenges in the dairy industry. “Our goal is to strengthen their readiness and determination to become full-fledged buffalo dairy entrepreneurs,” a DA-PCC spokesperson explained. Participants learned about farm management, animal care, milk handling, and marketing strategies, all designed to increase productivity while maintaining the welfare of the animals.
The program is part of the broader Carabao Development Program (CDP), which supports agrarian reform beneficiaries and other smallholder farmers across the country. Through the CDP, farmers receive technical guidance, training, and access to breeding stock, helping them transition from subsistence farming to profitable enterprises.
For the farmers of Villarey, the training represents a critical step toward economic independence. Many expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge gained will allow them to expand their income sources, provide better education for their children, and contribute to local economic growth.
The DA-PCC continues to prioritize capacity-building programs like this across Cagayan and other provinces, ensuring that Filipino farmers have the resources, skills, and support needed to thrive in modern, science-based agriculture.
By combining technical know-how with business preparation, the Social Preparation Training strengthens both the confidence and the practical abilities of farmers, helping them succeed in the growing dairy industry.
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