TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The 25th Provincial Livestock Fair highlighted the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) AI program, which is critical for improving nationwide livestock breeding.
AI allows farmers to enhance genetic quality, aiming for offspring with traits like higher milk production, better meat quality, and improved disease resistance. The weeklong celebration of the 65th Araw ng Lanao del Norte included a livestock fair to highlight the agricultural significance of cows, carabaos, and other animals.
Gov. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo highlighted the success of artificial insemination techniques for both cattle and carabaos, implemented by the Department of Agriculture-10.
“Sa livestock fair, nakita ninyo ang kagwapo sa resulta sa artificial insemination. Dili lang sa baka kundi sa kalabaw sad,” she said.
(At the livestock fair, you witnessed the beauty of the results of artificial insemination, not only in cattle but also in carabaos.)
A painting contest was featured at the fair, which transformed carabaos from municipalities throughout the province into colorful works of art.
In the carabao painting contest, Baroy emerged as the champion, winning the P20,000 cash prize, followed by Linamon with P15,000, and Lala in 3rd place with P10,000. Kapatagan and Tubod secured 4th and 5th places, respectively, with prizes of P7,000 and P5,000.
Ellen Tudtud, 42, a farmer from Baroy, expressed gratitude to the provincial government for the opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of carabaos. She shared that their carabao has been with them for 12 years. Their carabao was painted with the inspiration of the Ginia-akan and Lechon Festival, for which their town is renowned.
“Maayo jud kaayo kay nagkahiusa ang mga tao sa tibuok Lanao, nakita nako mga nagkadaiyang kadakoon sa kabaw og baka (It’s truly wonderful how the people of Lanao came together; I’ve seen the different sizes of carabaos and cattle),” she said.
Meanwhile, Isabelo Estudillo, 69, a farmer from Lala whose carabao placed 3rd in the painting contest, has been farming since the age of 15. He appreciated the event for their carabaos and was grateful for being one of the winners.
Moreover, Diomedes Vergara, from Lala town, has been farming for 40 years. This has been their family’s livelihood. He is also thankful for all the assistance and support he has received from the provincial government.
In the Carabao racing competition, Salvador secured the 1st prize of P7,000, followed by Baroy in 2nd place with P5,000, and Tubod in 3rd place with P3,000.
Sherwin Cabonillas, the winner of the carabao racing competition from Salvador, expressed gratitude as his victory will provide much-needed financial support for his family. “I am happy that I won this year. Thank you very much, because it’s because of them that I made it here,” he said.
Other featured activities at the fair included baktin (pig) catching contests and the ‘pinaka’ (the most) contest, showcasing the largest cattle and carabaos and other categories. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
