NEGROS ORIENTAL, September 21, 2021 – Thirty-five cattle worth Php 1,654,020 were delivered to 35 farmers who are members of three associations in La Libertad, Negros Oriental.

The livestock, which were granted on September 6 during a ceremonial turnover in Barangay Agricultural Development Center, Pacuan, La Libertad, are part of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program’s Backyard Cattle Fattening Project.

Twelve beneficiaries are from Elicia Farmers Association (FA), 11 from Kansumandig FA, and another 12 from Tala-on Forestland FA.

The cattle worth Php 29,000 each are all insured by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which also provided livestock multivitamins.

Each male cattle will be fattened for six months before selling. The usual share from income is 30% to the association and 70% to the farmer. The associations’ share will be collected to buy additional cattle for other members (roll-over scheme).

Kansumandig FA farmer Ms. Nasilia G. Beli-ot extended her gratitude to SAAD. She said, “Ang akong eka-estorya sa atong programa sa SAAD ma-o nga nagpasalamat kami’g dako sa farmers association nga kaning programa sa SAAD makatabang kayo namo ug maka-improve sa atung panginabuhi ug makatabang sa atong masigkabarangay labi na’s nanagsunod nga mudawat niini. Kami magpasalamaton kayo labi na sa dugang ug ayuda alang kanamo dayon nga ang nagsunod kanamo makabenipisyo pud sila. Ug amo-a pud nga palambu-on ang amoang baka nga nadawat.”

(I can say that the SAAD Program will help us, our fellow farmers in our barangay and next in line beneficiaries, improve our livelihood. We are very thankful for the grant that has been given by the program. We promise to develop and prosper from the interventions we received.)

“Sa akong bahin, mapasalamaton kami sa barangay namo sa Tala-on nga nay proyekto sa SAAD nga nakatabang usab sa among asosasyon ug sa among barangay. Ilabai sa nagdumala diha sa gagamhanan nato sa lungsod ug sa nasyonal. (Plano nako nga) akong padak-on ug atimanon (ang baka sa SAAD). Kaning baka nga gihatag sa SAAD makatabang sa akong pamilya, makapaeskwela ug uban pa,” shared Tala-on Forestland FA Ms. Merilyn S. Francisco.

(In behalf of my barangay, I am very thankful to the SAAD program for helping us, farmers, our families, and our association. I will take good care of the interventions given by the program. I can use the money to finance my children’s schooling.)

Agricultural technologist for Livestock Mr. Arvi Sarmiento also taught the farmers on the fundamentals of cattle fattening.

La Libertad Vice Mayor Hon. Lawrence D. Limkaichong, Jr., Sangguniang Bayan (SB) representatives, provincial and municipal Agricultural Program Coordinating Officers, and SAAD coordinators were present at the ceremony. ###

Source: Jehson Campos, Area Coordinator- DA Region 7
Writer: Jolina T. Daño, Information Officer- DA SAAD Region 7
Copy-editor: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Comms Officer- SAAD NPMO