ANTIPAS, North Cotabato— More and more farmers are getting livestock assistance from the provincial government of North Cotabato as it intensifies its campaign to empower the agriculture sector.
On Friday, about 69 small peasants based here, in President Roxas and Arakan towns, received cattle and livestock through the Animal Dispersal Program of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), officals said.
Dr. Rufino Sorupia, provincial veterinarian, said 10 beneficiaries received 10 piglets, 20 received 52 goats and 34 received cows in Antipas town; nine beneficiaries received around 23 goats and three farmers obtained cows in President Roxas and farmers farmers from Badiangon and Doroluman in Arakan got three cows each.
Sorupia said the beneficiaries were chosen through the screening and validation conducted by the OPVet to small farmers from the three adjacent municipalities.
He said the animals obtained by the farmers will serve as starting heads for their livestock raising ventures to help them improve their living conditions.
Before the dispersal, the beneficiaries were given instructions in raising the animals especially in maintaining the safety and usefulness of the cattle and livestock.
Dr. Suropia said the farmers signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) where the important stipulations of the dispersal program are contained and serves as guideline in handling the animals properly.
The MOA requires the beneficiaries to do their part in the program and that is to take care of the farm animals and use them in improving their livelihood as farmers.
The beneficiaries have to give back the first offspring of the large animals to the OPVet to ensure that the dispersal will be sustained and that more small farmers will benefit from the program.
Cattle recipient Domingo Madao of Barangay Doroluman, Arakan promised to make use of the animal in his small farm and take care of it. “It is a special privilege given to us small farmers and we agree to support the program,” Madao said Madao.
Veronica Dalit of Barangay Malatab, Antipas also conveyed her message of gratitude to Gov Taliño-Mendoza which she referred to as truly beneficial to farmers and their families.
Three more recipients namely Diosdado Bacus of Badiangon, Arakan, Ronnie Dalumbay of Kimahuring, Pres. Roxas and Harry Diolola of Datu Agod, Antipas expressed appreciation to the program during the separate dispersal.
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