Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at CSU

05/06/2026

Youth for AI training commenced thru DA-ATI-RTC II, DA-PCC at CSU collab

By: Mar Teodoro A. Mora

The DA-Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center II (DA-ATI-RTC II) commenced the training on basic Artificial Insemination (AI) and Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD) Training in Large Animals for youth, in collaboration with the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU), held at DA-ATI-RTC II, Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela, on June 03, 2026.

This initiative is part of the Youth for AI Project, participated in by 25 youth participants consisting of 4H Club members and students, who were endorsed by the municipal agriculturists and veterinarians from different parts of Region 2.

The 20-day training aimed to enhance the participants' knowledge and skills in AI and PD to become competent in the provision of extension services to large ruminant raisers in their respective localities.

On behalf of ATI-RTC II’s Center Director, Dr. Claris M. Alaska, Dr. Maurieann M. Turingan, Chief of Partnerships and Accreditation Section (PAS), welcomed the participants with encouragement to be sincere with their training so that they can become effective partners in providing animal health services in their communities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ferdinand S. Arquero, assistant livestock focal person of DA-Regional Field Office II (DA-RFO 2), shared about the concerns in the livestock industry that can be mitigated as the participants of the training will be committed to putting their learning into practice.

The opening program highlighted the sharing of the training overview and the leveling of expectations to the participants provided by ATI-RTC II staff. On the other hand, an overview of the Carabao Development Program (CDP) was shared with the youth participants by DA-PCC at CSU’s project assistant IV Celso G. Quinet, imparting the PCC’s programs and initiatives, which can help them magnify their roles in the development of the country’s livestock sector.

Youth participants of the training serve as the second batch of the Youth for AI project who are expected to learn good practices in the conduct of AI and PD. They will be trained through expert-led lectures and practical demonstrations on AI procedures, reproductive health assessment, and pregnancy detection.

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

Kung si Orange ay si Sharmaine, si Fly ay si Vanessa, at si Avocado ay si Melanie—ano naman kaya ang bagay na pangalan para kay 7UP15001 para tuluyan na siyang makawala sa pagiging code name lang? 🤔🐃

Deserve na deserve niya ang pangalan dahil isa siyang tunay na “Dairy Queen” 🥛👑

Sa loob ng 299 araw, nakapagtala siya ng 3,883.7 kg ng gatas—ang pinakamataas na milk yield sa mga gatasang kalabaw ng DA-PCC. Siya ay isang crossbred buffalo na may 87.5% Bulgarian Murrah at 12.5% swamp buffalo genetics, mula sa institutional herd ng DA-PCC sa University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Kaya ang tanong: anong pangalan ang babagay sa kanya para hindi na siya mukhang WiFi password ng dairy farm? 😅

I-comment na ang inyong best suggestions, mga Kakalabawan! 🐃💬

02/06/2026

Dairy farmers in Cagayan Valley gain food safety insights through BizTalk Series

By: Mar Teodoro A. Mora and James B. Alan

Dairy buffalo farmers and industry stakeholders enhanced their knowledge of food safety principles and regulatory compliance during the two-day Business Talk: Food Safety Series held at the Cagayan State University (CSU) campus in Tuguegarao City on May 28–29.

Organized by the DA-PCC Carabao Enterprise Development Section–Food Safety Project (CEDS-FSP) in partnership with DA-PCC at CSU, the training aimed to strengthen awareness of food safety regulations and assist participants in complying with the National Dairy Authority’s License to Operate (NDA-LTO) requirements.

The activity supports the implementation of the Food Safety Act of 2013 and dairy safety regulations, which promote a farm-to-fork food safety system and ensure the quality and safety of dairy products.

Resource speakers included Zadieshar G. Sanchez, chief of the Planning and Information Management Division; Dr. Cyril P. Baltazar, head of the National Dairy Business Hub; and Jenny F. Cabading of the National Dairy Authority–North Luzon Department.

Sanchez discussed the National Food Safety Agenda and led a workshop on food safety concepts and their application in dairy operations. Dr. Baltazar presented the fundamentals of food safety and dairy safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of compliance in maintaining safe and productive dairy enterprises.

Cabading also discussed NDA programs, dairy safety regulations, basic dairy safety practices, and the dairy farm inspection checklist to help participants prepare for NDA-LTO registration.

On the second day, Dr. Aileen L. Bulusan, dairy safety compliance officer of DA-PCC at CSU, reviewed Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health in ensuring food safety.

Participants also received training on crafting Risk Management Plans (RMPs) to identify and address food safety risks in dairy farm operations. Additional discussions on the annexes of the Dairy Safety Regulations provided guidance on documentary requirements and compliance procedures for dairy enterprises.

The event also featured a testimonial from Melchora T. Macarubbo, chairperson of the Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC), who acknowledged DA-PCC’s continued support through programs and interventions that have benefited the cooperative and its members. She underscored the importance of partnerships and continuous capacity-building initiatives in strengthening dairy farmer organizations.

Dr. Bulusan encouraged participants to work toward full compliance with NDA-LTO standards and maintain coordination with technical personnel to address compliance issues and stay updated on food safety requirements.

The BizTalk: Food Safety Series 2026 forms part of DA-PCC’s continuing efforts to promote food safety, strengthen regulatory compliance, and support the sustainable growth of the dairy buffalo industry.

01/06/2026

25/05/2026

: The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) held a training on dairy buffalo management, milk collection, handling, and control in Casambalangan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan, on May 20-21.

Farmer-recipients from the Providence Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) joined the two-day training, where they learned practical skills in milk handling to help them become more efficient dairy buffalo handlers.

Trainers from DA-PCC at CSU guided the participants through a series of lectures and hands-on demonstrations on dairy buffalo management, proper milk collection, handling, and quality control. The participants actively engaged by sharing their insights and experiences.

Farmer-recipeints of PMPC, led by Chairperson Socorro G. Cortez, expressed their gratitude for the knowledge and skills they gained in the training. Also, they manifest their commitment to dutifully become productive in dairy farming and sustain the profitability of dairy enterprises.

PMPC is one of the many beneficiaries of the agency’s implementation of the Carabao Herd Build-up (CHB) project that seeks to increase local dairy buffalo and milk production. The DA-PCC at CSU entrusted 15 pregnant crossbred carabaos to the qualified member-recipeints of PMPC last December 22, 2025.

Text: Mar Teodoro A. Mora
Photo: Sarah Angelica Bautista-Daña

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

12 newly trained AI techs, ready for service in Cagayan

By: Mar Teodoro A. Mora and James B. Alan

12 AI technicians from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya held a graduation and recognition ceremony upon completing the Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Large Ruminants on May 12, 2026, held at the National Swamp Buffalo Gene Pool and Dairy Buffalo Farm in Baung, Piat, Cagayan.

Led by DA-PCC at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU), the training aimed to improve participants' competence and technical skills in AI and Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD), thereby making them additional partners in delivering reproductive services in livestock-based communities. It also aimed to improve livestock productivity, enhance breeding efficiency, and support the development of sustainable animal production systems in rural areas.

Dr. Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada, Supervising Science Research Specialist, honored the ceremony and delivered an inspirational message to the graduates. She highlighted the challenges they experience during the training, saying, “Hindi naging madali ang journey na ito. Maraming pagod, puyat, kaba, at challenges ang inyong hinarap bago ninyo narating ang araw na ito.”

Furthermore, she encouraged the graduates by reminding them the impact of their responsibility in the field, “Ang bawat hayop na inyong matutulungan, bawat farmer na inyong masusuportahan, at bawat kaalamang inyong maibabahagi ay may malaking epekto sa kabuhayan ng maraming pamilya.” She also emphasized that their success is not just a certificate but a symbol of perseverance and commitment, and she reminded them that PCC will always be their second home.

Batch valedictorian Reymar G. Millo of Quirino Province expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of the training experience. In his words, “Ang pagiging AI technician natin ay hindi lang trabaho, kundi trabahong merong malasakit, kagustuhang tumulong sa pangkabuhayan, may dedikasyon at katapatan na maglingkod sa mga magsasaka.” He also mentioned the larger responsibility ahead, stating, "Ang pagtatapos na ito ay huli sapagkat ito pa lamang ang umpisa ng mas malaking responsibilidad sa ating mga komunidad at sa industriya ng paghahayupan."

The ceremony also recognized top-performing trainees, namely:

1. Reymar G. Millo
2. Jonathan S. Iloreta
3. Franz Philip D. Duro
4. Keisser E. Javier and Joselito T. Tablac

On the other hand, Charlito L. Canaoay, Reuben James L. Tablac, and Joselito T. Tablac each ranked first in PD accuracy, while Russel C. Dela Cruz registered the fastest A.I. gun insertion time.

The graduation was underscored by Romulo A. Salas, AI Coordinator, and their trainers Benedicto B. Blanza and Celso G. Quinet. Also, Dr. Winalyne V. Abbang, livestock inspector Baggao, Cagayan, graced the graduation ceremony.

This batch has served as the 30th group of AI technicians trained by DA-PCC at CSU since 2006. It further strengthens its commitment to building competent livestock service providers and advancing the development of the country’s livestock industry through capacity building and extension services.

22/05/2026

The second issue of Karbaw Magasin 2026 is now available. You can download your e-copy here:
https://k-portal.pcc.gov.ph/?page=post_pdf