Negros Oriental remains a recipient of the cattle, duck, swine, large animals and sheep dispersal program of the Department of Agriculture in Region 7 even if it belongs to the newly-created Negros Island Region.
DA-7 veterinarian and animal program head Dr. Zeam Voltaire turned over to Gov. Roel Degamo on Tuesday 20 heads of ewe (female sheep) and four heads of ram, as well as 570 ducks and drakes, during simple ceremonies in front of the provincial capitol building.
Provincial veterinarian Jaime Villaluz Jr. was also present during the turnover.
Dr. Voltaire said this is part and parcel of the 2015 dispersal program where in a total of P3.4 million is alloted for the Province.
He said a breeder called Katadine, a rare hybrid of a goat and a sheep (also called geep or shoat), as well as breeder ducks are the upgraded version that can withstand environmental stress, and are fit for reproduction in Negros Oriental.
According to the DA official, this is a region-wide program but the distribution is focused in the Province because proposals and documents were submitted on time, upon the request of the provincial government through the different farmer associations.
Following the mechanics of the animal dispersal program, recipients will have to return the offspring so other farmer associations can also benefit, monitoring of which is being conducted by DA-7 in coordination with the provincial veterinary office.
Provincial Veterinarian Villaluz said the breeder sheep and ducks will be distributed to the production centers of DA in Tanjay City, Manjuyod and Canlaon City.
He called on the recipients to take good care of the breeder animals, provide them with housing, routine vaccination against diseases so that farmers who are next in line can also benefit.
The sheep can withstand the heat and feed only on grasses so the cost of raring them is very affordable.
The Katadine cross-breed of goat and sheep is purchased in Masbate.
Five hundred forty of the breeder ducks will be distributed to farmers and 30 will be raised at the Canlaon City production center.
Governor Degamo thanked DA regional director Angel Enriquez for making her promise when she graced the opening of the joint family farm and livestock congress in October this year during the Buglasan.
He said this would greatly enhance and improve the breed of the livestock in Negros Oriental that will result to good income and sufficiency in food production.
Initial surveys conducted showed that Negrenses are fast becoming to be eaters of goat meat especially those who don’t like pork or beef.
The Governor has also announced that next week, a group of hog and swine growers in the Province will be recipients of P11 million worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture.
This was the result of the recent visit of Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol to Negros Oriental.
The Kasamahan ng mga Magbababoy at Magmamanok in the Province, headed by Pet Vicuña, is expected to receive the livelihood assistance, Degamo said. (PNA)
