Philippine Carabao Center at WVSU sponsored a Study Tour for CLB-CARES MEMBERS in Ubay, Bohol

The Philippine Carabao Center at West Visayas State University (PCC at WVSU)sponsored a Study Tour for Calinog-Lambunao-Bingawan Carabao Entrepreneurs Association (CLB-CARE) in Ubay, Bohol last May 4-7, 2016. The Center aims to broaden and continuously motivate members to sustain the dairy program in the Regional Impact Zone (RIZ) and dairy zone. Joint effort of PCC at WVSU and PCC at Ubay Stock Farm opened new business ideas to the said association. Participants visited the selected cooperatives assisted by PCC at USF, Ubay, Bohol. They were exposed from the production site, collection center, processing center and different market outlets.

Calinog-Lambunao-Bingawan Carabao Entrepreneurs Association (CLB-CARES) started as a group last March 16, 2009. Some members do not fully appreciate the PCC programs extended to them thus the organization was temporarily weakened. In 2014, they were reorganized with new set of officers hoping to strengthen their group with 20 members taking care about 51 heads of native, crossbreeds and purebred buffaloes. Regular activities include meeting, group sharing, visitation and organic fertilizer production.

The group started producing milk last April 2010 with only one (1) cow. With this humble beginning it encouraged some more crossbred owners to join the group and was motivated to do backyard dairying. In April 2014, the Center has infused a number of Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes to the association through PAIWI program. This has led to increase in the milk production of the group, thus challenges also their marketing activities in order to dispose all of their produce.

The exposure of the group to various associations in Bohol doing the same activities has given them some insights and strategies to combat challenges as well as inspirations to continue. Not only devices to strengthen their camaraderie but also realizations and lessons were learned. Today the association is planning to replicate what they have learned. As for the Center we will continue to assist them and guide them to realize their plans until such time that they will be able to stand by their own, by then, the Center’s goal to empower clients will also be realized.

Written by: Dr. Myrtel C. Alcazar/ Janice H. Cuaresma

Posted by: Janice H. Cuaresma

Date: June 13, 2016