The Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) celebrated the 2nd Kalabaw Food Festival on April 30, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the carabao-based enterprise that continues to uplift local livelihoods.

With the theme #LoveforAll Pusong Kalabaw: Matatag, Mapagmahal, at Para sa Lahat, the festival highlighted the co-op's strength, love, and passion for the carabao business. The festival was used as a venue to tell the story of BSNMPC's transformation, driven by resilience and solidarity, and to encourage other communities to venture into carabao-based livelihoods.

Kicking off the celebration was a motorcade followed by a parade of carabaos, a drum and lyre exhibition, and a ceremonial sharing of maja blanca made from carabao’s milk, paired with the cooperative’s signature chocolate milk.

In his welcome address, BSNMPC Chairperson Rolly Mateo Sr. expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the past and present leaders of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)—former Center Director Gloria dela Cruz and current Center Chief Vilma Gagni—for their critical role in the cooperative’s success.

"Kung wala kayo noon, wala rin kami ngayon," Mateo said, recognizing the agency’s instrumental guidance in their development.

Department of Trade and Industry—Regional Office I (ROI) Representative Regeon Abalos urged the cooperative to continue striving for national recognition.

"Patuloy niyong ipakita na hindi lamang kayo pang Bantog, ipakita ninyo na hanggang National ay makilala kayo," he explained.

Cooperative Development Authority—ROI Regional Director Atty. Frederick Robles explained that one of the reasons behind the cooperative's success is the unity and cooperation of its leaders and members.

Recognizing the cooperative's potential to boost the tourism industry, Atty. Robles also proposed to the municipal councilors present during the activity that an ordinance be created for the institutionalization of the carabao festival in Asingan, which will be led by BSNMPC.

Grace dela Cruz, a representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development—ROI, stated that BSNMPC has been their partner in entrusting carabaos to recipients of the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutuman at Kahirapan program. She also mentioned that their agency is setting BSNMPC as a role model and example for their emerging associations.

Meanwhile, Department of Labor and Employment—ROI representative Virginia Salvador made an impression of Bantog as a thriving cooperative with active leadership and noble contributions to community building.

Given that the cooperative's success was aided by the collaboration of various agencies, Center Chief Vilma Gagni assured the co-op members that the national agencies are available to assist and guide them.

Mr. Paul Andrew Texon, operations head of DA-PCC at DMMMSU, led a milk toast to celebrate the cooperative's continued success in the carabao industry.

Roweno Dingal, vice chairperson of BSNMPC, expressed his gratitude to all government agencies who extend their help and have been part of their journey and success.

"Nagpapasalamat kami ng taos-puso… dumaan man ang panahon, tumanda man tayo, mawala man kayo sa aming isipan, pero tandaan niyo, sa aming puso ay hindi kayo mawawala," he ended.

The celebration continued into the afternoon with fun and engaging activities, including “Dress Your Kalabaw,” a talent show, raffle draw, and a cooking competition—where Gourmet Beef Tapa in Coconut Cream emerged as the winning dish.

The festival took place at the BSNMPC grounds, Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan, on April 30, 2025.