In line with DA Sec. Manny Piñol’s vision of turning the Cordilleras into the dairy capital of the country, the livestock program of the region has set things moving by conducting an orientation and experiential learning for Mountain Province.
The Dairy Production Project aims to give farmers opportunities in exploring a new type of farming and to gain knowledge and further strengthen their capabilities. Through multi-farming, farmers would be able to have another source of income. The project is targeted for heirloom rice farmers in CAR. According to Dr. Anthony Bantog, chief of the livestock program,
Farmers who are interested will undergo intensive training and screening. This way, the department would be able to screen and be assured of the farmer’s capabilities, knowledge, and interest. Proper knowledge and practices of upbringing the livestock would also be taught to them.
Selected heirloom rice farmers of Mountain Province, individuals or groups, will be given two milking cattle that are worth Php 210,000 to start with. After four years, farmers would have to return back one pregnant cow in exchange for the one given before.
Dairy cattle farming takes a lot of patience and diligence for it to work. This is not only for basic subsistence but it’s a business. The department would be with the farmers every step of the way. “Hindi namin kayo iiwan until matuto kayo,” says Dr. Bantog.
After the two-day orientation, farmers were taken for a dairy tour in Bulacan. There they were able to witness dairy farming first hand. A total of three farms were visited.
CAR has an advantage in dairy farming due to its cool climate. Also by being a tourist destination, the setting is set for it to be the dairy capital in the Philippines. Aside from milk, other commodities such as cheese, yogurt, and sweets can be produced from this livelihood.
More provinces in the region will soon be catered to by the project.**Ayra Galanza
