₱46M livestock, agri investments rolled out in Kalinga; OPVet urges farmers to grow herd, multiply livelihood

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Kalinga livestock raisers are set to gain new opportunities as the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) secured approximately ₱46 million worth of livestock and agricultural projects from the national government for farmers’ associations, cooperatives, local government units, and other groups across the province.

Speaking during the regular flag-raising ceremony on August 17 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Leonardo Damian shared updates on the projects, highlighting the province’s continuing efforts to expand livestock production and create more livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Among the major projects are ₱3.8-million chicken multiplier farms each for the Babalag Agri-Cooperative in Rizal and the Indigenous Farmers’ Association Bangad Centro in Tinglayan. The packages include poultry housing, chickens, feeds, and other requirements needed to establish the multiplier farms.

For native pig production, the United Franchisal Association in San Julian, Tabuk City received a multiplier-farm project, while another ₱3.1-million package was provided to the Pasil Cooperative.

The province is also expanding its cattle production program, with the Ileb Farmers’ Association receiving a ₱2.7-million cattle project involving 21 heads. Assistance was also extended to the San Pedro Agri-Coop in Tinglayan.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Kalinga is constructing a ₱4.5-million cattle multiplier farm, which will initially house 21 cattle.

Damian explained that the provincial government intends to disperse the offspring of the cattle to other constituents, allowing the initial investment to eventually benefit more farming households.

Other livestock projects include a ₱4.5-million package for the Bauko Binnadang Association in Agbannawag, a ₱2-million rabbit multiplier farm in Dangoy intended for Balik-Probinsya beneficiaries, and a ₱4.6-million goat multiplier farm in Calaccad and Sukyap, Lubuagan.

The Municipality of Balbalan also received a ₱1.1-million pig multiplier farm, while Pasil was allocated a ₱4.4-million carabao project.

More animals, more beneficiaries

Damian emphasized that livestock projects must be implemented with consideration for the nature and needs of the animals involved, noting that they cannot simply be kept waiting until government programs or activities are synchronized.

“Hindi po kasi pwedeng paghintayin yung mga hayop...we will just wait for the association to schedule. Hindi naman kasi katulad ng mga makina, puno or seeds na pwedeng paghintayin ng ilang buwan at pagsasabayin ang activities,” he said.

Damian said some projects have already been distributed, while others are still under construction or in various stages of implementation.

He assured beneficiaries that the approved assistance is expected to reach Kalinga communities as the respective projects become ready.

Beyond providing livestock to selected beneficiaries, the OPVet expects the projects to create a multiplier effect—with animals produced through the initial investments eventually being dispersed to additional farmers and households.

For Kalinga’s livestock raisers, the goal is not simply to receive animals or establish farms, but to grow production, create livelihood opportunities, and allow more families to benefit from every government investment.

As the province expands its livestock programs, the ₱46-million investment offers local farmers another opportunity to turn livestock raising into a stronger and more sustainable source of income.