COTABATO, May 2, 2022 – Twelve (12) farmers’ associations (FAs) in Libungan, Alamada, Banisilan, Makilala, Tulunan, and Kidapawan City, Cotabato received 132 native goats from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program from April 19 to 20. The ruminants worth Php 785,994 are under the Native Goat Production Project of FY 2022.
These 151 mixed-crop farmers believed that raising native goats is cheaper, has small risks compared to other livestock, and is an attractive undertaking for milk and meat production. Goats subsist on crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, or any locally obtainable forage sources.
Prior to the livestock distribution, the small ruminants (120 does, 12 bucks) were inspected and dewormed to ensure that they are Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) free. CAE is a persistent viral disease of goats caused by a lentivirus carrying a chronic and deadly infection with a long incubation period in the mammalian species. It is transmitted from mother to kid through the ingestion of colostrum or milk, and may also spread among adults through contact with body secretions, blood, and feces of infected goats.Table 1. Native goats accepted by 12 Cotabato FAs
| Farmers’ Association | Location | Native goats received | Project Cost (Php) |
| Consortium of Montay MRDP-CFAD (10 members) |
Montay, Libungan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Demapaco Communal Irrigators Association Inc. (10 members) |
Demapaco, Libungan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Polayagan RIC (10 members) |
Polayagan, Alamada | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Marabuhay Muslim FA (10 members) |
Bao, Alamada | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Lower Carugmanan RIC (25 members) |
Lower, Carugmanan, Banisilan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Poblacion 1 Muslim United FA (25 members) |
Poblacion 1, Banisilan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Talun-Talunan FA (10 members) |
Talun-Talunan, Makilala | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Sto. Nino Integrated FA (10 members) |
Sto. Nino, Makilala | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Kapisanan ng mga Kalipi sa Brgy. Perez (10 members) |
Perez, KIdapawan City | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Perez ARB Rubber FA (10 members) |
Perez, Kidapawan City | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Dungos FA (10 members) |
Dungos, Tulunan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Nabundasan Peace and Development FA (11 members) |
Nabundasan, Tulunan | 10 does, 1 buck | 65,499.50 |
| Total | 785,994.00 |
Nanay Nora Desomimba of Marabuhay Muslim FA shared how grateful they are to receive the animals from SAAD.
“Dako gid ang mabulig sang SAAD sa sini nga gindul-ong nila sa amon nga mga kanding. Damo ini nga mabulig sa mga obra namun sa uma. Dugang ini sa mangin income namun nga makabulig man sa amun pangabuhi, (This assistance from SAAD will provide us income which will help us in our daily needs. These goats are an advantage to our farms,)” said Nanay Nora.
Aside from goats, these FAs are also set for training on animal and crop management this year in coordination with their respective local government units (LGU).
The turnover activity was facilitated by the SAAD Cotabato provincial staff together with the five LGUs. ###
Writers:
Jennifer A. Valcobero, SAAD NPMO Public Relation and Comms Officer
Aisa L. Tina, SAAD 12 Information Officer
