
04/12/2024
The Sweet Future of Dairy, Sagay City’s 17 Graduates Ready to Lead the Charge in Buffalo Farming
by Louie Jee C. Huelar
On November 27, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the agricultural sector of Negros Occidental, as 17 graduates of the Farmer Livestock School on Dairy Buffalo Production (FLS-DBP) received their diplomas during a heartfelt ceremony at the Balay Kauswagan in Sagay City. The event celebrated the successful completion of an intensive, over 30-week training program designed to empower local farmers and equip them with the skills to revolutionize dairy buffalo production in the region.
The graduates, members of the Aksyon Binuligay Sagay Coconut Farmers Alliance (ABSCFA), were trained through a partnership with the Sagay City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SCEMPCo) and the Philippine Carabao Center at La Carlota Stock Farm (PCC at LCSF), with support from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). The ceremony served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the participants and their instructors.
The FLS-DBP program is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to enhance the livelihood of farmers by focusing on sustainable dairy buffalo production. Over the course of the training, participants were immersed in a curriculum that covered a wide range of topics crucial to successful livestock farming. From breeding and nutrition to health management and proper handling techniques, the program ensured that every aspect of dairy buffalo production was thoroughly explored. This hands-on training was designed not only to educate the farmers but also to foster a sense of community and cooperation among them.
Dr. Mojo Cañonero III, the Sagay City Veterinarian, was one of the event’s key speakers. In his address, he emphasized the importance of this partnership and its potential to transform the local agricultural landscape. “The Sagay City Government, through the Sagay City Veterinary Services Office, is excited about this collaboration with SCEMPCo and ABSCFA,” he said. “We believe that dairy buffalo production has a bright future here, and we are confident that our graduates will use their new knowledge to ensure a ‘milky and sweet’ future for the region.”
The broader goal of the FLS-DBP program aligns with the objectives of the Coconut Carabao Development Project, which seeks to augment the income of coconut farmers through dairy production. This initiative is especially timely, as there is a growing demand for dairy products in the region. As Engr. Jean Alisna, Acting Division Chief of PCA, pointed out, “There is a ready market for milk, such as the DepEd milk feeding program, and the opportunities don’t stop there. Dairy products like cheese and ice cream can also be processed and sold, providing multiple revenue streams for farmers.”
PCC at LCSF Center Director Eva R. Alvarez also offered words of encouragement during the graduation ceremony. Drawing inspiration from Benjamin Franklin, she told the graduates, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” She continued, "You’ve spent months absorbing knowledge, but now is the time to apply it. The world is waiting for your passion, your creativity, and your newfound expertise. Trust in your abilities and take on the opportunities ahead with confidence."
The FLS-DBP is more than just a training program, it is a blueprint for the future of agriculture in Negros Occidental. Its success is built on adult learning principles, with a focus on participatory and hands-on learning that allows farmers to apply their newfound knowledge directly to their own farms. The ultimate aim is for these graduates to become catalysts for change in their communities, sharing their expertise with fellow farmers and helping them achieve similar success.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the air was filled with optimism. The graduates, now equipped with the skills to thrive in the dairy buffalo industry, were not only celebrating their achievements but also looking ahead to the possibilities their new expertise would unlock. With strong local partnerships, the support of government agencies, and a well-designed curriculum, the future of dairy buffalo production in Sagay City looks brighter than ever.