By Kenneth Marcos 
The sweet scent of ripe durian, mangosteen, lanzones, and marang filled the air as hundreds of guests gathered around a massive 150-foot table — a grand display of Mindanao’s rich harvest to close the 11th National Carabao Conference (NCC) held in North Cotabato.
This unique fruit buffet, featuring 800 kilos of assorted tropical fruits, marked the colorful and flavorful finale of the two-day event hosted at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
Celebrating Culture, Community, and Carabaos
Dr. Geoffray Atok, Center Director of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at USM, said the fruit feast wasn’t just about the food — it was a way to let participants truly experience Mindanao.
“A trip to Mindanao is never complete without tasting its fruits. This is our way of sharing our culture and bounty with fellow carabao farmers, partners, and guests,” he said.
The 11th NCC brought together carabao raisers, cooperatives, researchers, and agricultural workers from different parts of the country. Organized by the National Carabao Stakeholders Association in partnership with DA-PCC at USM, USM, and the Sta. Catalina Multipurpose Cooperative, the conference focused on strengthening the carabao industry through innovation, sustainability, and community partnerships.
What the NCC Is All About
The National Carabao Conference is an annual gathering that highlights the role of the carabao (Philippine water buffalo) in rural development — especially in providing milk, meat, draft power, and income to smallholder farmers.
It also serves as a platform to discuss new technologies, government programs, and marketing strategies that help uplift the livelihood of carabao farmers nationwide.
This year’s sessions included topics such as:
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Dairy value chain development
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Feed and pasture management
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Carabao-based enterprise models
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Cooperatives and farmer clustering
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Youth involvement in agri-livestock
Participants also shared success stories from their own communities, showing how support from DA-PCC and partner LGUs has helped boost carabao production and income in rural areas.
Looking Ahead: Next Stop, Sorsogon
As the 11th NCC wrapped up on a high note — with full stomachs and renewed energy — organizers announced that the 12th National Carabao Conference will be held in Sorsogon next year.
The event will be hosted by Gubat St. Anthony Multipurpose Cooperative in collaboration with DA-PCC at University of the Philippines Los Baños.
For many of the attendees, the conference is not just a gathering of farmers and experts — it’s a celebration of shared goals, resilience, and the vital role of carabaos in building a strong, food-secure Philippines.
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