KABUGAO, Apayao – The provincial government through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), distributed livestock to farmers as part of its ongoing Livestock Development Program under the Farmer Livestock School (FLS) on Ruminant Production.
The program supports improved breeding practices, promotes food security, and boosts livestock-based livelihoods. On June 18, 30 Brahman-cross cattle and 176 Dorper-Merino sheep were awarded to 40 farmers from Pudtol, Luna, and the barangays of Tanglagan and Parina of Calanasan. Flora and Santa Marcela are next in line, with carabaos to be distributed for use in farm labor.
The livestock distribution was funded under the province’s 20% Development Fund for 2025, with PHP 2.64 million allocated for sheep and PHP 2 million for cattle. The number of sheep awarded varied by area, depending on their readiness to manage and raise the animals.
Before receiving the livestock, beneficiaries completed an eight-month training course under the FLS. The course covered animal management, health care, breeding, nutrition, and feed formulation.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Ralph Verzon emphasized the value of the program in shaping local agricultural leaders.
“Sapay koma ta amin nga training ti FLS ket mausar iti panagmula ken panagtaraken, whether baka, nuang, kalding, or any animals. Same principles ti management, nutrition, and feeding panagsakit. Sikayun ti katulungan mi iti grassroots level nga mangited iti basic veterinary services within their barangay. Mabalin nga isuro da met ti annak da nga ag-engage iti agriculture ta ipasubli ti agriculture a kas backbone economy ti Apayao,” he said.
“Sapay koma ta ada maysa wenno dua nga agbalin nga successful farmer nga isu met ti agisuro ti willing nga ag-FLS. Haan met agbalin daytoy nga programa nu awan ti suporta ni Gov, Cong, ken Vice Gov. Dakami ket very thankful kadagitoy nga programs tayo,” the PVO head added.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Arnold Castillo commended the farmers for embracing the initiative.
“Adu gayam nga panawen ti panagsakripisyo yu. Pagyamanan mi ta inarakup yu daytoy nga programa ti PGA. Tapnu mapapintas tayo ti klase ti dingwen tayo, maikkan tayo ti additional nga livelihood, mapapaintas tayo ti panagbiyag kadagiti barbaranggay tayo through this program. Idawdawat mi Apo, nu anya man nga programs ti PGA ket sumabat kayo iti barangay yo. Namnamaen mi nga daytoy nga naiwaras ket salumetmetan tayo tapnu umado after 5 years,” Castillo said.
Further, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Henry Caluducan, in his message, highlighted the program’s long-term potential.
“Nabayag daytoy nga programa ni Gov, funded every year. Mabalin nga haan yu pay marikna ti kinasayaat na ta nabiit pay met, ngem eventually, nu bumaybayag ken umadun ti baka ken karnero tayo, makita yuntu ti pagbaliwan ti panagbiyag tayo a kas maysa nga beneficiary.
Caluducan likewise said that the program will continue so that other farmers will also benefit. “Agkaykaysa tayo tapnu agtultuloy dagitoy nga programs. Dapat aramiden yu nu ana ti pagrebrebbengan yu nga agtaraken kadagitoy nga inbingay ti gobyerno kadakayo. Ammuk nga mapasyaat na daytoy ti kabibiyag tayo.”
This continuing program is led by Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., with the support of Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang and Vice Governor-Elect Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan. For Apayao’s farmers, the livestock program is a thrust toward self-reliance and sustained agricultural growth in the province. By Loremia Pareja
