Pangasinan farmers’ coop gets DOLE-DOST aid for carabao-based program

MANILA, Philippines - The  Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) of Asingan, Pangasinan became the first recipient of a Department of Labor and Employment-Department of Science and Technology (DOLE-DOST) ‘techno-preneurs’ project for its carabao-based program in the region.

DOLE director Grace Ursua recently led the awarding of a check worth P495,000 to the local government unit (LGU) of Asingan, which is the accredited co-partner for the project.  The LGU and the BSNMPC contributed P148,500 and P23,500 respectively as their counterparts.

With the financial assistance, the BSNMPC can boost its carabao-based enterprise to initially benefit 84 farmers. The enterprise has three integrated business activities: dairy production and processing, meat selling and organic fertilizer production.

The awarding was followed by the signing of the memorandum of understanding among project stakeholders, namely, DOLE, LGU of Asingan, regional offices of the DOST, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the BSNMPC.

“As already announced by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, we aim to transform entrepreneurs into ‘techno-preneurs,’ or Filipinos who are engaged in livelihood using available local resources and technologies developed by the DOST. With our strong convergence, I can see bright prospects for the BSNMPC and even the municipality of Asingan,” Ursua said.

To be implemented for a period of three years, the convergence program aims to produce sustainable livelihood projects that create employment opportunities through the provision not only of capital, but of technology assistance for the business undertakings of marginalized workers’ associations.

During the occasion, Gloria dela Cruz, director of the PCC Region 1, announced that their agency will provide an additional 40 buffaloes worth P350,000 each to the cooperative.

Ursua said the DOLE, in the selection of the BSNMPC project, considered many factors such as the marketability of its products, existence of facilities/equipment, availability of resources/raw materials, presence of assisting agencies and the right values and attitude of the members.

In 2005, BSNMPC was evaluated by the PCC as having the potential for carabao dairy production.  Two years later, milk production boomed and more members became interested in the business activity.

At present, the dairy producers earn an average annual income of P30,000-P40,000 from one dairy animal.  Aside from milk, the cooperative will sell carabeef from male calves and organic fertilizer from animal manure.

Out of the 84 initial beneficiaries, 10 are trained milk processors, 30 are engaged in carabao milking, 20 in vermi-composting while the rest are engaged in carabao breeding, rice production and forage farming to sustain the feeding requirements of the animals.

“With the infusion of more financial and technology assistance to the carabao-based industry, we are creating a sustainable enterprise which will be able to provide more income and employment to the constituents of Asingan,” Ursua said.