By Kenneth Marcos 
In a powerful show of support for Filipino dairy farmers, several senators have praised the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) for helping transform lives through carabao-based enterprises.
At a recent Senate Budget Briefing, DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad highlighted to Senator Kiko Pangilinan the real-life impact of the Sagip Saka Act, a law that promotes direct farmer-to-market access. According to Battad, the law has empowered cooperatives supported by DA-PCC and created real economic opportunities in rural areas. She thanked Sen. Pangilinan for championing the act and continuously supporting programs for livestock and dairy development.
Senators JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian also met with DA-PCC representatives to express their full backing for the carabao sector. Senator Ejercito reaffirmed his commitment to support policies that would improve dairy farming in rural areas, noting that carabao-based livelihoods offer both food security and income for many poor families.
Senator Gatchalian, on the other hand, urged the agency to tell the real stories behind its programs—stories that focus on people, not just animals. “At first, many thought PCC was just about carabaos,” he said. “But now, we see how it changes lives. That’s your true success story.” He encouraged the DA-PCC to highlight these human-centered impacts in future reports.
In another important engagement, Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, was introduced to DA-PCC’s latest educational campaign—a read-along series titled “The Adventures of KalaGirl and KalaBoy.”
The campaign targets children ages 6 to 12 and aims to instill early appreciation for agriculture and the value of the carabao as a symbol of hard work and livelihood. It was presented by Dr. Battad and Rowena Galang, Chief of the DA-PCC’s Knowledge Management Division.
“We want the next generation to grow up understanding that agriculture is not just about food—it’s also about dignity, community, and resilience,” Galang said.
The read-along stories will be brought to schools and local communities, serving both as entertainment and an educational tool that introduces kids to farming, dairy production, and the vital role of carabaos in rural life.
The series of meetings reflects a growing national interest in “carapreneurship”—a blend of carabao farming and entrepreneurship that is changing the way rural families earn and live. With continued legislative support, DA-PCC hopes to expand its programs, reaching more families and building a stronger local dairy industry.
As the country pushes forward under the banner of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” the DA-PCC is determined to make sure that no community is left behind—and that every carabao story is also a story of hope.
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