By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm sun of Tuguegarao City, 25 local farmers gathered at the Regional Extension Office of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) inside Cagayan State University, ready to learn and prepare for the next step in their livestock ventures.
On March 5–6, members of the Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC) participated in a two-day Social Preparation Training (SPT), designed to strengthen their knowledge and readiness for the Carabao Herd Buildup (CHB) Project. This project aims to develop and expand carabao-raising as a sustainable livelihood, enhancing both income and local agriculture.
The SPT focused on equipping farmers with essential skills for managing carabao businesses, from herd management and breeding techniques to financial planning and community coordination. Trainers emphasized that proper preparation and cooperative management are key to the success of the CHB project and long-term profitability.
“This training is an important step for farmers who want to improve their carabao enterprises,” said a DA-PCC facilitator. “By building knowledge and fostering teamwork, cooperatives can maximize the benefits of the CHB program.”
Carabaos are a vital part of Philippine agriculture, providing milk, meat, and draft power for small farms. Programs like the CHB Project aim to strengthen local carabao populations while supporting farmers with training, technical guidance, and access to markets.
By participating in the SPT, the IFC members are preparing to implement the CHB project effectively, ensuring that their herd management practices meet modern standards and that the cooperative can sustain its operations. Such initiatives also promote social cohesion among farmers, encouraging collaboration and shared learning.
The DA-PCC continues to provide technical support, monitoring, and guidance to ensure that cooperatives like IFC can achieve success in their carabao-raising projects. With proper training and community engagement, programs like the CHB Project help farmers improve livelihoods while contributing to the growth of the local agriculture sector.
Through events like the Social Preparation Training, farmers in Tuguegarao are not only learning practical skills but also gaining confidence to expand their businesses, strengthen cooperatives, and promote sustainable agriculture in Cagayan.
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