To strengthen carabao production in the province of Bohol, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Central Visayas distributed 26 carabao heifers and one (1) bull worth Php 1,343,000 to four farmers’ associations last July 15, 2025.
The project aims to increase carabao production and help these associations grow into sustainable community-based enterprises. By producing quality carabao heifers and bulls for Bohol and neighboring provinces, the initiative also supports the improvement of local farmers’ livelihoods.
Table 1. Carabao Production Project support received by Bohol FAs
| Name of Association | Intervention | Quantity | Cost per unit (Php/head) | Total Amount (Php) |
| Calvario Farmers Association | Provision of Additional Carabao Heifers and Bull | 8 | 49,000 | 392,000 |
| Cagawitan Farmers Association | 7 | 49,000 | 343,000 | |
| Villa Aurora Farmers Association | 7 | 49,000 | 343,000 | |
| Behind the clouds Farmers Association | 5 | 49,000 | 245,000 | |
| Total | 1,323,000 | |||
The DA-SAAD Program has distributed a total of 108 carabaos, including heifers and bulls, to four farmers’ associations in Bohol under the carabao production project. The Behind the Clouds Farmers Association in Batuan received five more heifers, increasing their herd to 26, with three suspected to be pregnant.
In Dagohoy, the Cagawitan Farmers Association received seven additional heifers, bringing their total to 26. The Villa Aurora Farmers Association, also in Dagohoy, received seven more heifers, raising their total to 31, including one offspring. In Lila, the Calvario Farmers Association received eight more carabaos, completing a total of 26, with two heifers suspected to be pregnant.
The additional 26 heifers and one bull were valued at Php 49,000 each, totaling Php 1,343,000.
Apolinario Piollo, a member of the Calvario Farmers Association, expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the program. He also shared his hope that their association will one day become a leading hub for carabao producers in the province.
He said, “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat nga usa ko sa nakadawat og kabaw karon. Dako gyud kini’g tabang sa among pagpanguma. Duggang pa, among ikapasalig nga among padaghanon ang kabaw nga among nadawat aron sa umaabot, ang among asosasyon mahimong usa sa mga producer sa mga kabaw dinhi sa Bohol.”
(I am very grateful that I am one of the recipients of a carabao today. This carabao is truly a big help for our farming. Moreover, we commit to multiplying the carabao we received so that in the future, our association will become one of the producers of carabaos here in Bohol.)
This intervention supports the DA-SAAD Program’s goal of developing self-sustaining farming communities. With continued assistance, these associations are expected to become key contributors to Bohol’s carabao industry and to the province’s rural development.
