By Kenneth Marcos 
Laughter and curious questions filled the halls as young students stepped into a place many had only seen in books. For these children, the visit was more than a school trip. It was their first close look at how agriculture quietly supports Filipino homes and communities every day.
Twenty-one pupils from Riverside Christian School of San Josef Norte, Inc., together with their parents and teachers, visited the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) for an educational tour and a special Read-Along session titled “The Adventures of KalaGirl and KalaBoy.” The activity aimed to introduce young learners to the importance of the carabao and the dairy industry in national development.
During the visit, the children learned how carabaos help farmers produce food, earn a living, and support local economies. Through simple stories and interactive discussions, the Read-Along session explained how dairy farming contributes to nutrition, especially milk for growing children, and how it creates jobs in rural areas.
Officials from the DA-PCC said activities like this help build early awareness and appreciation for agriculture. Many Filipino children grow up far from farms and may not fully understand where food comes from. By introducing these concepts at a young age, educators hope to encourage respect for farmers and interest in agriculture-related careers.
The carabao, often called the “beast of burden” of Philippine agriculture, plays a vital role in farming communities. Beyond helping in the fields, carabaos are now central to the country’s dairy development efforts. The DA-PCC has been promoting improved carabao breeds, better dairy production, and farmer training to increase local milk supply and reduce dependence on imports.
According to the DA, the dairy sector supports thousands of small farmers nationwide. Local milk production helps improve household income and provides fresh, nutritious products for communities. Teaching children about these connections helps them see agriculture not just as farm work, but as a system that supports health, education, and livelihoods.
Parents who joined the tour welcomed the chance for their children to learn outside the classroom. They said hands-on experiences and storytelling make lessons more meaningful and easier to remember. Teachers also noted that exposure to real-life examples strengthens values such as respect for nature, hard work, and community cooperation.
DA-PCC staff guided the visitors through facilities and explained their work in simple terms suited for young audiences. The goal, they said, is not only to share information but also to inspire curiosity. When children ask questions about animals, food, and farming, learning becomes a shared experience between schools, families, and institutions.
The visit reflects the DA’s broader push to promote agriculture education and awareness, especially among the youth. As many farmers grow older, encouraging the next generation to value and understand agriculture is seen as key to long-term food security and rural development.
As the children left the center, many carried stories about carabaos, milk, and farming back to their homes and classrooms. These small lessons, officials said, can plant seeds of appreciation that grow over time.
By opening its doors to young learners, the DA-PCC continues to show that nation-building starts with education, curiosity, and respect for the people and animals that help feed the country.
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