CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon distributed more than P23 million worth of livelihood aid to various farmers’ cooperatives and associations across the region to boost livestock production and augment their income.
The turnover, held at the DA compound in Barangay Maimpis, aligns with the department’s continuing efforts to empower local livestock raisers through modern technologies and facilities, and is anchored on the government’s vision of a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.
During the event, DA National Livestock Program Deputy Director Noverlee Calub stressed that the success of the livestock sector is measured not only by technology or output, but also by its impact to the community.
“Ang pag-unlad ay hindi lang tungkol sa mga tao—sa mga pamilyang umaasa sa kabuhayan, sa mga magsasakang masipag mag-alaga, at sa mga pamayanang tumitibay dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon,” he said.
The beneficiaries include Nasingkong Kawayan Kiling-Batilao Integrated Farmers Association and Bataan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative from Bataan; Zambales Competitive Farmers Association and San Esteban Agri Producers Association Inc. from Zambales; and Lacmit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Talimundok Farmers Association, Agustinian Farmers Association of Candaba Inc., and San Roque Farmers and Livestock Raisers Association Inc. from Pampanga.
The assistance provided included animal hauling trucks, goat and cattle housing units, biomass shedders, hammer mills, and shallow tube wells to help enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote sustainable farming practices among the beneficiaries.
DA Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Eduardo Lapuz Jr. noted that the agency is now capable of providing larger and more comprehensive support compared to previous years.
“Nawa’y pangalagaan ninyo at pagyamanin ang mga tulong na ito upang magamit nang mas matagalan,” he told the beneficiaries.
He also noted that the animal hauling trucks were designed for dual purposes in response to farmers’ requests to allow transport of both livestock and farm produce such as rice and vegetables.
For his part, DA 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Arthur Dayrit commended the local livestock raisers for their crucial role in making Central Luzon a leading livestock-producing region.
“Ito ay bunga ng inyong katatagan at sipag. Ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka ay patuloy na magiging katuwang ninyo tungo sa tuluy-tuloy na paglago ng inyong kabuhayan,” he said.
Dayrit added that the Department remains committed to build a more resilient and competitive livestock industry through capacity building, infrastructure support, and sustainable policy development, in collaboration with local governments and other stakeholders.
SOURCE: Marie Joy S. Carbungco PIA3
