March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera started releasing cattle in support to the recovery of Abrenian farmers affected by Typhoon Maring last year.
The cattle dispersal is part of the agency’s rehabilitation program  in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and the Office of  the Provincial Agriculturist.
The distribution was held at the breeding station of OPVET in Barangay Calaba, Bangued.
Agriculture Program Coordinating Office Abra Head Rosemarie Tesoro said the first 60 beneficiaries from Bucay, La Paz, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, Peñarrubia, San Isidro, and San Juan received one cattle each. Some received more depending on the reported damage.
“Under this rehabilitation program of DA, 166 farmers in the province of Abra were selected to get cattle but we released the first 60 since the supplier is not able to deliver them all in a day,” Tesoro said.
She assured the remaining cattle will be released to beneficiaries as soon as the supplier delivers them.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to DA for the livelihood assistance.   
“May mga na-recover naman kaming mga baka pagkatapos ng bagyo ngunit di rin sila naka-survive. Malaking kawalan sa aking pero nagpapasalamat ako sa ating gobyerno dahil kahit papano, makakapagsimula ulit ako sa pagaalaga ng baka,” said Eufehemio Trinidad, a recipient from   Bucay who lost 10 cattle and 26 goats in a flood due to Typhoon Maring.
Nida Pascua Latawan from Lagben, Lagangilang said, “Nagpapasalamat ako dahil isa ako sa mga napili na tumanggap ng suporta mula DA. Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa aming mga magsasaka dahil marami ang nawala sa amin noong bagyong Maring.”  
Last January, the DA also dispersed 100 heads of goat for Abrenian farmers affected by last year’s monsoon rains. It is also a part of DA’s rehabilitation program. – Christian Tubadeza