Local farmers and livestock raisers here have another reason to be happy with the realization of laudable programs that will help uplift their quality of life.
Led by Mayor Hernani A. Braganza, the Alaminos government through the city veterinary office launched just recently the 1st Farmer Livestock School on Integrated Cattle Fattening (FLS-ICF) and turned-over of an initial two heads of cows to farmer-beneficiaries in Brgy. Poblacion.
According to the Jonathan Bugaoan, GMA-Livestock Banner Program Coordinator, the city’s Feedlot Cattle Fattening (FCF) Program is the first of its kind in the region if not the whole country.
Bugaoan said “if only this worthy initiative coupled with an LGU-private entities partnership were introduced earlier, we will no longer be facing problems on poverty.”
He said that program must be replicated in other towns and cities in the region noting that the country is still importing meat and dairy products from foreign countries because of the shortage of locally raised cattles.
Pangasinan and Ilocos Region alone depend on livestock raisers from Region II for its beef requirement, added the regional coordinator.
“This (LGU-initiated program) is definitely a good start and we, in the GMA-Livestock Banner Program will fully support your worthy undertakings for your farmers and the region as a whole.”
Under the FCF Program, farm-partners are encouraged to raise cattles intended for market for short period of time.
The program aims to increase the income of the beneficiaries, promote awareness on the high potential of cattle fattening, improved the city’s cattle base and produce quality meat and dairy products for the city residents.
Among the major components of the program are site development, stock acquisition, forage, pasture development, and production and (FLS-ICF) training on cattle fattening technology.
City veterinarian Ronald Abarra said the city government has also set aside funds for the purchase of 2-3 year old cattles which cost at least P 25,000 each.
“Cows and other ruminants are ultimate machines, said Abarra. Easily, it could produce meat and milk and other dairy products out of grass and also, instant organic fertilizer.”
Abarra noted that the demand on beef had tremendously increased due to the city’s booming population and the tremendous influx of tourists in the city.
Studies showed that the number of cattle declined in recent years which were partly due to high costs of stocks and the absence of suitable pasture lands.
With the FCF program, the aforesaid concerns were easily eliminated and in process provide additional income for the farmer-beneficiaries.
FCF also adopts the city’s Assistance Bayanihan Venture which lures local investors to try on this growing enterprise.
The private entities, under a 50/50 sharing scheme on the income or depending on the agreement, will provide cattles for FLS-ICF graduates to raise for at least 180 days.
City Councilor Earl James Aquino, himself a livestock raiser, was among the first private partners to support the program.
Aquino, SP committee chairman on Agriculture and Environment, had initially committed 1 cattle for the program.
Moments later, he joined Mayor Braganza and fellow legislator, councilor Cirilo Radoc, in donating his one-month salary for the purchase of three more heads of cow for the recipients.
Other investors like, Sta. Maria Brgy. Capt. Gerry Ramos and Genaro Opague, both farmer-livestock raisers also committed 1 head of cattle each to the FLS-ICF graduates.
Braganza, in his message, cited anew the need for farmers and marginalized families to go back to basics by venturing on backyard gardening and animal raising.
He thanked the investors for sharing their blessings to their citymates and for believing that this program of his administration will not just liberate the farmers from poverty but also allow their families to achieve other dreams in life.
“We must learn to appreciate the true wealth of our place, our city, grab every opportunity presented by our government by venturing on profitable enterprises introduced to us so th