CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — Two cooperatives in Oriental Mindoro are recipients of 46 cattle from the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA as part of the agency’s continued support to the agricultural sector.
Through its Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Project, DA aims to strengthen cooperative members’ livelihoods and expand the province’s livestock industry.
The Naujan Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Roxas Market Multi-Purpose Cooperative each received 23 cattle.
“The cattle, imported from Masbate, are expected to be cared for and bred by the beneficiaries to become a sustainable source of income and food for their families and communities,” DA said in a press release, adding that the project aims to help the farmers to establish better-organized livestock production operations.
Livestock Coordinator Arman Melendrez, who led the turnover ceremony, said that the project is part of the broader goal of DA, which is to ensure food security while providing additional income for farmers.
“The project is not only focused on cattle breeding but also on strengthening the cooperatives’ capacity to compete in larger markets,” he said.
To ensure the program’s success, the Provincial Veterinary Office and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) provided training and orientation on proper nutrition, care, and vaccination of the animals to prevent the spread of diseases.
“The insurance coverage from PCIC is an essential part of the project, safeguarding beneficiaries against potential risks or deaths of their cattle,” Melendrez added.
Likewise, the Local Government Units of Naujan and Roxas, through their Municipal Agriculture Offices, have developed a plan to continuously monitor the animals and regularly provide technical support to the cooperatives.
The Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Project is an initiative to enhance the livelihoods of farmers through the care of animals with high breeding and business potential. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro/Photos from DA MIMAROPA)
