SOUTH COTABATO, September 18, 2023 – Twenty-three (23) women engaged in goat raising in Sultan Kudarat received Upgraded Goat Production as part of Phase 2 implementation of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.

Situated in Brgy. Obial, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, said women are part of the Malahutayong Kababaihan sa Brgy. Obial (MKBO) Rural Improvement Club (RIC), a group of farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) established in 2019.

Held on July 26, 2023, the distribution was facilitated by Engr. Reymar Hasan, DA-SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN Focal Person in collaboration with the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) of Sultan Kudarat.

Under FY 2023, the Upgraded Goat Production with Equipment Support Project is valued at Php 284,696.75. Comprising 11 goats (10 does, 1 buck), the animals are 11 to 12 months old and will be raised for breeding. The package also includes one (1) unit of forage chopper machinery and 8,000 silage bags.

According to Mr. Jade C. Datungputi, SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN Associate Project Officer, forage chopper machinery is used to crush corn straw, forage, and grass into tiny pieces, while silage bags will later serve as storage of feeds for livestock. Silage bags are used to maintain the freshness of corn straw, forage, and grass for livestock through an airtight and water-resistant seal, thereby deterring pests and preventing mold formation.

With the said distribution, 11 members were initially chosen to be the first-in-line beneficiaries. Part of the group’s policy shall follow a roll-over scheme where each of the first-in-line beneficiaries will disperse at least a head of goat to the second-in-line beneficiaries until the remaining 13 members receive their stock. 

To date, the group follows good management by providing animal housing as a counterpart. Further, SAAD SOCCKSARGEN in collaboration with the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) of  Sultan Kudarat is committed to provide technical assistance through monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the project.### 

Writer: Vincent Rae T. Porras, DA-SAAD Region 12 Information Officer
Sources: John B. Pascual, DA-SAAD Regional Focal Person, Engr. Julie Mie Y. Belongan, DA-SAAD 12 Sr., Regional OPBME Head, Justin G. Aquino, DA-SAAD 12 Information Officer
Credits: Mark Rey G. Ante, DA-SAAD 12 Associate Project Officer, Ruel S. Pascua, DA-SAAD 12 Data Controller, Jimboy A. Ago, DA-SAAD 12 Associate Project Officer , Jade C. Datungputi, DA-SAAD 12 Associate Project Officer