Pangasinan State University, Sta. Maria (PSU-SM) Campus received ten (10) heads of upgraded heifer as loaned-out animals from the Department of Agriculture on August 24, 2021.
Said distribution of livestock is part of the “Cow-Calf Production Project,” under the implementation of the National Livestock Program’s Bayanihan Act II Stimulus Package projects involving external stakeholders and beneficiaries.
The National Livestock Program is one of the major flagship programs of the Department of Agriculture that has a vision of “A meat, egg and milk secured Philippines anchored on a vibrant, robust and globally competitive livestock and poultry industry and prosperous farmers.”
In June 2021, the Pangasinan State University-Sta. Maria Campus, the center for the Agriculture program of the University, expressed its support and intent to participate to the DA’s National Livestock Program, which aims to provide additional income to farmers while producing meat for the needed supply for the country through the dispersal of upgraded and pure Brahman breeder cattle.
PSU-SM proposed the Cattle Multiplier Farm Project headed by Dr. Armando D. Junio, Dr. Elmer C. Vingua, and Dr. Renee Christopher Cacho. This project is a collaboration between PSU and DA RFO I.
Under the MOA, the DA-RFO 1 shall require and collect the repayment of the loaned-out animals within five (5) years from the date of receipt of the animal following the 1:1 head ratio for every animal received and roll-out to the next qualified recipient identified. Ownership of the cattle shall remain with the DA RFO I until after the contract period has expired. A certificate of ownership shall be awarded to the PSU only after full payment and the payment terms were complied with satisfactorily.
Agri-Fishery Council shall validate and assess the project’s implementation status, provide further feedback and recommendations to improve its program implementation and submit monitoring reports.
PSU being the recipient, shall provide necessary housing, pasture area, labor, and other logistics for proper care and management of the project-in-charge on the maintenance, proper husbandry management, and application of appropriate technologies and animal husbandry practices in raising the animals.
PSU-SM is yet to receive one Purebred Brahman bull along with one unit of Portable Forage Chopper in addition to the ten heads upgraded heifers.
