In Barangay Brgy. Tio-angan, Bagulin, La Union, the members of the Sinabugan Farmers Association (SFA) used to rely on bamboo and tie wires to house their cattle. The makeshift structure offered little protection, not just from the rain and sun, but from the uncertainty that often comes with farming in remote areas.
Almost two years later, standing firmly on steel beams and sturdy posts is their new kudal — a proper cattle shelter built not just from concrete and wood, but from the shared strength and unity of its members.
A kudal, or corral, serves as a designated area for cattle rearing, especially for livestock raised for fattening. For the SFA, it’s a symbol of growth; the physical outcome of years of hard work and a new phase of their livelihood as supported by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2.
The association’s journey began with a humble structure built back in May 25, 2023, just days before the distribution of their first batch of 26 cattle fatteners on June 1. Made entirely from locally-sourced materials — bamboo, tie wires, and nails — the temporary kudal served its purpose. By October 17 of the same year, another seven heads of cattle were added, bringing their total stock to 33.
Though simple, that first corral became the foundation of something greater. Through the income they earned from the SAAD-backed livestock, the association dared to envision a more permanent and durable shelter — one that could weather both storms and time.
That vision came to life on April 22, 2025. With steel framing, sturdy roofing, and sustainable elements like bamboo feeders and organic fencing, the new 6×8-meter structure was completed under the guidance of Engr. Joshua Peduca, SAAD Area Coordinator in Bagulin, with the full backing of SFA’s officers and members.
“This is a new height for the Sinabugan Farmers Association towards economic growth,” shared Engr. Peduca.
For the members, however, the new kudal goes beyond livestock housing.
“Saan mi la nga inaramid daytoy para lang iti baka — inaramid mi daytoy para iti nasaysayaat a masakbayan ti tunggal maysa kadakami. Gapuna, kayat mi nga ipakita a kaya mi nga agserbi ken agbalin a modelo para kadagiti sabali nga asosasyon,” said Association President Dina Pascua.
(We didn’t just build this for the cattle — we built this for a better future for each of us. That’s why we want to show that we can lead and be a model for other associations.)
SAAD OPBME Regional Lead Ms. Lorena Olveña, echoed this sentiment, saying: “This kudal is more than just a structure; it is a symbol of the Sinabugan Farmers Association’s courage, resilience, and commitment to change. I am proud of how far they’ve come.”
The completion of the new corral was also made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit of Bagulin and various stakeholders who worked closely with the community. Their collaboration reflects what is possible when local leadership and grassroots action move in step.
What began as a simple livestock enclosure now stands as a monument of progress, hope, and the strength of farmers who dared to dream — and turned that dream into steel. ###
