Twenty-seven (27) members of the PALACACA Farmers and Fisherfolk Vendors Association in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental received 45 head of upgraded goats last July 16, 2025, through the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Davao Region.
The delivered goats comprise 39 does and 6 bucks, which will enhance the beneficiaries’ livestock productivity and support sustainable livelihood initiatives. Thirty (30) of which were received by the individual members in Brgy. Camahual. Meanwhile, the remaining 15 heads were being allocated for communal raising in Sitio Labe, Brgy. Patuco, which is a 20-minute sea traverse from Brgy. Camahual. The association opted for a communal approach for members in Sitio Labe, designating a shared area to house the goats and develop it into a demonstration farm.
Before delivery, the distributed goats underwent a health inspection and thorough count to ensure their quality and quantity.
In addition, the association also received livestock, agricultural supplies, farm machinery, and capacity-building training designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve the overall livelihood of farmer-beneficiaries.
The assistance is part of the Food Production and Livelihood initiative under the Program, which identified the PALACACA Association as a beneficiary of a comprehensive agricultural support package aimed at increasing productivity and improving the economic stability of farmers in the area.Meanwhile, Food Production and Livelihood Lead Aniel Q. Balorio emphasized the importance of proper goat care during the orientation session.
“Ang pagtagad nato sa mga kanding, unta susama sa pagtagad nato sa atong kapamilya. Palanggaon nato sila aron maka-tabang pud sila balik para kanato,” said Balorio.
(The way we treat goats should be similar to how we treat our family members. Let’s love them so they can help us back.)
Further, the SAAD Davao team verified and validated appropriate housing and tying materials before handing over the goats to ensure the well-being of the livestock.
The SAAD team advised on structural modifications, including slotted flooring and proper fencing, to improve sanitation and reduce health risks.
PALACACA Association president Esperidion Guardados expressed heartfelt appreciation for the continuous support, “Kani nga tabang gikan sa gobyerno nagpamatuod nga naa gyud gugma sa mga sama namong mag-uuma. Amo gyud ning alagaan ug atimanon alang sukli sa inyong tabang sa amoa.” (This help from the government proves that there is love for farmers like us. We will take good care of them in return for your support.)
The PALACACA Association is one of the seven farmers’ associations identified to receive this intervention from SAAD Davao. The Program aims to support associations in establishing a community-based enterprise, enhancing their economic opportunities, promoting sustainability, and strengthening their capacity for long-term income generation. ###
