BOHOL, March 30, 2020 – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program – Bohol team distributed carabaos to 60 farmers from the municipality of Buenavista on March 6, 17, 24, and 30.

Ten (10) female carabaos were distributed to 10 farmers from each barangay (Cantores, Nueva Montana, Catigbian, Lubang, Lusong, and Nueva Granada).

The provision of carabaos is under the Integrated Carabao-Based Production Project for FY 2019, which costs Php 1.8 million. In addition, each barangay likewise received 20 molasses containers worth Php 14,000, 30 bags of pollard (Php 30,000), and 10 bags of rice bran (Php 4,420).

The project aims to reduce farm production costs by at least 15% per cropping season by no longer hiring draft animals for farm operations. It can also generate additional income by renting out the draft animals to other farm areas. An important contribution of this carabaos will be the source of fresh milk and other by-products for the family and an added income from the community.

With the assistance of the Buenavista Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), SAAD Bohol team easily distributed the animals despite the enforced Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The physical inspection of the animals was conducted by the staff from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (Bohol OPV) through Dr. Frederick Madriñan in partnership with the MLGU Inspectorate, Mr. Melvin Tradio; Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. Lino Divinagracia; SAAD Regional Focal Person, Ms. Aurea Madrio; Bohol SAAD Provincial Coordinator, Mr. Ian Egam; SAAD Area Coordinator of Buenavista Ms. Reigelyn Malarijes; and SAAD IT staff, Mr. Dionisio Gomez.

Another batch of sixty (60) carabaos each will also be distributed to the municipalities of Bien Unido, Carlos P. Garcia, Getafe, and Mabini. In total, the project will benefit 300 farmers. ###

Writer: Jake M. Madrio, SAAD RPMSO 7 staff / Jemiema Arro, SAAD Public Relations, and Communications Officer