The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) highlights meaningful partnerships with various local government units and private institutions in the recently concluded 7th National Carabao Conference (NCC) held in a blended approach (online and on-site following standard safety and health protocols) on October 25 to 29.

The conference kicked off with the opening of a techno exhibit, which showcased DA-PCC’s technologies at the Milka Krem compound. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibit was presided by Science City of Muñoz Administrator Dr. Raul Divina, DA-PCC OIC Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Domingo, DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro Salces and 7th NCC overall Chairperson Dr. Peregrino Duran. Dr. Cyril Baltazar, Farm Superintendent II, facilitated the demonstration and explained the importance of some technologies such as the mechanical baler.

The techno exhibit is also part of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita where carabao’s milk-based products, Kardeli carabao’s meat products, and local vegetables and fruits produced by different partner cooperatives and farmers were also on sale.

Meanwhile, DA Secretary William Dar in his keynote address enumerated the carabao industry’s goals, which include accelerating herd build up, increasing productivity and profitability of carabao-based enterprises, ensuring availability of safe and quality milk and meat products from genetically improved carabaos and harnessing the niche market for carabao-derived products. 

“In achieving such goals, we must modernize farm facilities, strengthen farm consolidation, reduce the cost of feed, strengthen research for development, and continue collaboration with LGUs,” encouraged Dar.

Similarly, Committee Chairperson for Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Sen. Cynthia Villar reiterated the importance of carabao’s milk as a supplement for undernourished children and as an additional livelihood for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Further, Dr. Ronnie Domingo, during his presentation of the 2022-2027 Carabao Industry Roadmap, emphasized the importance of the competitiveness in marketing industry. He challenged the agency to  identify niche market where the agency will target specific consumers and market segment for carabao-based products.

DA-Assistant Secretary-Designate for Regulations Dr. Liza Battad also shared her message of encouragement through virtual presentation during the program.

Activities during the third and fourth day include the Launching of the New DA-PCC music video sung and composed by outgoing DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (LCSF) Center Director Ariel Abaquita, Roundtable Discussion with DA-PCC Partner Chief Executives hosted by Francis “Kiko” Flores of Tulong Balita Online, Dairy Value Chain Innovations updates, and Discussions on the agency’s Policy and Program Implementations.

These were followed by the recognition of the 7th NCC awardees across the DA-PCC network. Winners for the Outstanding Dairy Farmers include Ceferino Ligot, Panfilo Tutor, and Pedro Silvidad (Family Module Category); Ernie Lita June Flores and Dominic Paclibar (Semi-commercial Category); and Elpidio Manaloto Jr. (Commercial Category).Winners for Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Cooperative/ Farmers Association include General Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-purpose Cooperative, San Jose Dairy Producers Association, and Muleta Side Buffalo Dairy Association. Winners for Outstanding Bull Recipients include Joselito Canlas and Ruben Butlig while winners for Outstanding Village-based Artificial Insemination Technicians (VBAITs) include Bernie Glenn Guevarra and Rolly Richard Zalameda. Also, awardees for Best Dairy Cow (Purebred-Junior Cow Category) ID no 2BP16013 owned by Richard Reyes, ID no 2LC17006 owned by Doreen Alicia and ID no 2LSC14012 owned by Gregorio Cueco; and  (Purebred-Senior Cow Category) ID no 2NIZ16006 owned by Victoriano Dumale and ID no IT20141135 owned by Melgin Zenith were recognized.

The testimonial narratives video for the ALAB Karbawan Project Communities, which were sponsored by Sen. Villar, was also premiered followed by the launching of Gawad Livestock and Poultry Award and holding of a Knowledge Café.

A MOA Signing of the DA-PCC, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and Le Ferme Livestock Development Partnership took place after the closing ceremony. The agreement aims to establish the partnership between the three agencies in revolutionizing livestock production by producing the best quality beef cattle through the infusion of Wagyu breed and to strengthen the dairy production by producing genetically superior buffaloes using advanced reproductive biotechnologies.