KAPANGAN, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) officially turned over the PhP2.5 million Beef Cattle Multiplier Farm to the Dayukong Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet on March 5, 2025.
The Multiplier Farm was established under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program of DA-CAR, which aims to boost the contribution of the livestock and poultry sub-sectors in increasing the income of smallholder farmers in the region.
The intervention package includes animal housing facility, 20 heads of cattle, 2 units forage chopper, and essential animal zoological supplies. This is to ensure the cooperative has the necessary resources to sustain and expand its operations.
Regional Livestock Coordinator Dr. Kevin Jim B. Luna congratulated the beneficiaries, emphasizing that their unity and cooperation made the project’s completion possible. He urged them to take good care of the facility to ensure its sustainability. He also acknowledged the efforts of DA-CAR staff, the provincial government of Benguet and the municipal government of Kapangan in making the project a reality.
Furthermore, he announced that for Fiscal Year 2025, the DA-CAR Livestock Program has allocated PhP45 million-worth of interventions for the Province of Benguet, which will be distributed among various municipalities.
Meanwhile, Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas also commended the beneficiaries, noting that access to such government interventions requires passing strict validation processes and meeting eligibility requirements. He expressed gratitude to DA-CAR, led by Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, for its continued support.
“The DA has been very supportive not only in Benguet but throughout the entire Cordillera,” Governor Diclas remarked.
In an interview, Municipal Mayor Hon. Manny Fermin, who was unable to attend the event due to another significant engagement, expressed his gratitude to the DA for its continued support of Kapangan’s farmers. He also committed to provide additional funding for the improvement of the multiplier farm, recognizing its valuable contribution to the community. He hopes that the beneficiaries will sustain the project and maximize its potential.
Dayukong Farmers Agriculture Cooperative President Bobby Awidan expressed his gratitude to DA-CAR, highlighting the importance of continued government support in guiding them toward the success of their organization.
Originally established as an association in 2013, Dayukong transitioned into a cooperative in 2017. Today, it has a total of 72 active members, 37 male and 35 female who are committed to strengthening their agricultural enterprise.
Other key officials who supported the ceremony were Atty. Henry Gwyn Jonathan Salasa of DA-CAR, Atty. Frenzel Ayong, representing Congressman Eric Yap, Roger Bengwasan, LEED Program Coordinator of the Provincial Veterinary Office, Municipal Agriculturist Peter Begawen, Jr., SB Members Johnson Andiso, Hector Mariano, Harris Dizon, and Ms. Rechel Marcelo, Barangay Chairpersons Ricardo Buyao and Arthur Pudin of Gadang and Sagubo, respectively, and other municipal and barangay officials. By Leny D. Mendoza
