LUNA, Apayao – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) joined forces with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Region 2 to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the first Dairy Processing Facility in the province located at AETSC grounds, San Gregorio, Luna.
The ceremony, held on June 26, 2023, was attended by esteemed guests, including Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, Board Members Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, and Wenz Nathaly Alferez, as well as some Provincial Department Heads.
Last year, the Office of the Senator Cynthia Villar facilitated the donation of P10 million for the establishment of the Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) Project in the province. Part of the project is the construction of a dairy box, along with the provision of seventy one (71) heads dairy carabaos, two (2) motorcycles, equipment, capability building trainings and other technical support services to facilitate production, processing and marketing of dairy products.
The facility is set to become a pioneering hub for the production and processing of dairy products in the province.
With the aim of promoting local dairy farming and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, this initiative seeks to harness the potential of carabao’s high-quality milk.
During the ceremony, dignitaries and attendees expressed their excitement about the project and the positive impact it will have on the community.
Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, highlighted the significance of this partnership in driving economic growth and rural development.
“Dapat talaga mayroon tayong facility for dairy processing para maregulate natin ang mga dairy products natin. Kailangan talaga iti kakailyan mi iti kastoy nga klase nga activities kasi what we need now are sustainable livelihood programs. Ang sarap lang pangarapin na Apayao will someday produce high quality milk, cheese, and even yogurt,” Cong. Bulut-Begtang said.
The facility aims to streamline the production and processing of dairy products, ensuring that high-quality standards are met. It will house modern equipment and facilities necessary for milk collection, processing, packaging, and distribution. By centralizing these operations, the facility will optimize efficiency and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting both the producers and consumers.
Furthermore, the project aims to address the challenges faced by local farmers by providing training and technical assistance. Through collaboration with the PCC, local farmers will receive guidance on best practices in carabao management, feeding, and breeding; increasing milk production and improving the overall quality of their herds.
PCC Region 2 Regional Director Dr. Rovina Piñera expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) for their hospitality. “Napakagaan makipagtrabaho at maging kapartner ang PLGU Apayao. Very smooth ang transactions dito. If it’s for the development of the province, there is no politics involved. We were treated like families, so we want to give our services for free for the technical, capability building, and many more. I hope that someday, this will become the best CBIN site in the northern region,” Dr. Piñera said.
Earlier this year, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. has allocated P3 million pesos for the conduct of the seven-month Farmer Livestock School (FLS) on Large Ruminant Production, as well as to procure additional carabaos. By JCM
