By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet farming community of Sitio Sbang Bila in General Santos City, hope came in the form of dairy cows and new livelihood tools. For many Indigenous Peoples (IP) farmers, the arrival of support marked a fresh start toward a more stable source of income and food on their tables.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), under its Zero Hunger initiative, awarded ₱400,000 worth of livelihood assistance to members of the Mabuhay IP Farmers SLP Association in Barangay Mabuhay. The funding aims to help the group build a long-term income source through small-scale farming and food production projects.
As part of the partnership, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) turned over 30 dairy cows to the association. The animals serve as the NDA’s counterpart contribution to strengthen the community’s capacity to produce fresh milk and develop a sustainable dairy business. Officials said the startup herd is expected to support daily milk collection, processing, and possible expansion into value-added products once the association becomes fully operational.
The combined support of the SLP and the NDA is part of wider government efforts to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and promote livelihood opportunities for marginalized sectors, especially Indigenous communities. Many IP farmers in Southern Mindanao continue to face challenges such as limited market access, unstable incomes, and the rising cost of farm inputs. Through programs like Zero Hunger, agencies aim to provide resources that lead to long-term economic stability.
Livestock experts will guide the beneficiaries on proper care and feeding of the dairy cows, as well as business planning for milk production. The NDA and DSWD emphasized that consistent training and community involvement are key to ensuring the success of the project. Local officials expressed optimism that the farmers’ association can build a profitable enterprise that contributes to food security in the area.
The initiative also aligns with the broader goal of strengthening local agriculture and supporting small farmers as active contributors to the regional economy. By empowering IP communities with livelihood assets and technical skills, the government hopes to raise incomes while promoting healthier diets through access to fresh, locally produced milk.
As the new livelihood project begins, the farmers of Sitio Sbang Bila look forward to better opportunities for their families. The program stands as a reminder that reducing hunger requires not only food aid but also long-term investment in communities that need it most.
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