To ensure the continuous production of farm animals as source of meat, milk, eggs and other poultry products, the Department of Agriculture Bicol thru the Livestock Assistance Project under the Livestock and Poultry Program, recently  distributed  dairy animals to selected  animal growers association in Camarines Norte.

The Kambingan at Tupahan ng Bayan  (KATUBA) with office at Calasgasan Daet Camarines Norte represented by  Bessie De Los Santos received 20 heads female goat. De los Santos  expressed her gratitude to the DA  hoping  that the  project would expand to greater heights  to help boost the goat industry in Bicol. The Mabilo II Farmers Asscoiation represented by  Efren Cas  is thankful for  the 10 heads gilt (breeder swine). “Ang pagkakaloob sa amin ng Tulong Pangakabuhayan Project na ito ay malaking tulong sa amin at amin itong pagyayamanin at ipapamahagi sa aming mga kasapi”  Cas said. He narrated that  despite the current situation of our nation because of the Pandemic, they felt that they are not neglected by the local and national government. “Simula ng kami ay pinagkalooban ng ganitong klaseng kabuhayan, unti- unting nabago ang kalagayan ng aming pamumuhay” he added. The Camarines Norte Food Processors Association represented by  Livia Era also received 10 heads gilt.

Part of the recipient’s responsibility is to prepare needed facilities for housing, feeding, water and lighting, develop pasture areas, provision of feeds, drugs, biologics and others. They shall also maintain a recording system and provide needed information during DA monitoring activity.

Meanwhile, Rafael Moraleda , owner of Moraleda farm who is venturing into small and large ruminant raising,  shared that he has also a plantation of  napier  grass  locally named as” maramais-mais”  which served as feeds for his animals. “ Ito po ay paboritong kainin ng aking mga alaga, sa kasalukuyan,  kayang buhayin ng isang puno ang mag inang kambing sa loob ng isang araw. Malaking pasasalamat ko sa DA dahil  sa binigay nitong buto  (specie) na tinatawag na super napier at ito ay aking naparami  at  ginagamit na naming  alternate na pagkain sa aming mga alaga” he said.  He is now sharing said seeds to fellow raisers and  encouraged them to propagate  more  so that they can help other farmers.

According to Dr.  Marissa Guillermo, Regional Livestock & Poultry Program Coordinator, the distribution is essential during this trying times to enable deserving recipients alleviate poverty and increase their income. (B. Nunez; Photos: H.A.Privaldos, R. Adversario Jr.)