SAN JUAN, Abra – The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR) led by OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene Sagayo and Regulatory Division Chief Ruben Dulagan officially handed over the full responsibility to manage and own the PhP2.5 million worth of Goat Multiplier Farm to the Culliong Farmers Association in San Juan, Abra on September 27, 2023.
The Multiplier Farm Project is a total package for goat raising that is composed of a housing facility, fencing, 25 heads upgraded Anglo-Nubian bull, 25 heads upgraded Anglo-Nubian doe, one head purebred Anglo-Nubian bull, and one head pure bred Boer male. Support pasture development particularly the Napier grass activity, biologic drugs, and a 4% insurance for animals are also integrated in the project.
“Because you are the qualified recipient of this project, you must follow this three: Matino, Mahusay at Masipag ang pag-alaga ninyo sa kambing,” San Juan Mayor Meynardo Bautista said to the farmers’ cooperative and association (FCA) members and officers during the turnover ceremony. The mayor also believes that raising goats can eventually help the families of the members providing additional income aside from rice farming because a lot of restaurants are into serving goat meat.
Sagayo also agreed with Mayor Bautista while emphasizing the objective of the multiplier farm. “Now this goat multiplier farm is yours, remember this, you are the receiver today but you are also expected to be the giver or the supplier of quality goats to your community and other FCAs or groups in the future,” she said.
In addition, Dulagan encouraged the goat raisers from barangay Culliong to upgrade the breed of their goats by bringing their ‘nannies/does’ to the Culliong Multiplier Farm during their heating period to be mated.
Before the turnover ceremony concluded, Pastor Antonio Valencia the assistant chairman of the Culliong Farmers Association extended his appreciation in behalf of his fellow members to the DA-CAD and the provincial local government of Abra and the municipal local government of San Juan who worked hand and hand to bring the big-ticket project in their barangay. “You are the lucky ones because you brought this blessing to us, surely you will be blessed,” he said, quoting a bible verse about the blessing from giving.
Also present to witness and support the turnover ceremony were Dr. Jomarh Zales from the Abra Provincial Veterinary Office; DA-CAR APCO for Abra Ms. Rosemarie Tesoro; San Juan Municipal Agriculturist Antonio Berona, Municipal Livestock Coordinator Margie Ana Timbreza, and other key representatives from the provincial government and barangay officials. By Tan Dulag
