The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5), through its Organic Agriculture (OA) program, distributed carabao to farmers from San Jose, Camarines Sur, on Wednesday.

In an interview on Thursday, Lovella Guarin, DA-5 spokesperson, said the first Organic Beef Carabao Dispersal Program was received by 50 farmers with a total of PHP3.2 million in assistance.

“DA is aggressively pushing for OA as it enhances food safety, safety of the farmers, and also rejuvenates the soil, which is key to optimum productivity. Consuming organic food ensures a healthy life as these are free of harmful pesticides and other yield-enhancing chemicals,” Guarin said.

Guarin added organic agriculture is mandated by the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 to promote, propagate, develop further, and implement the practice of organic agriculture.

“The program was launched in 2024, and for this year, it is only the San Jose LGU, but for next year, other LGUs will also benefit from the program. The beneficiaries of the pilot activity are from 21 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in San Jose,” she said.

“The Carabao must be raised and multiplied organically in accordance with the Philippine National Standards. A pay-forward scheme will be implemented for them, where the first offspring will be passed on to the next qualified beneficiary to maintain the benefits of the program,” she said.

The municipal agriculture office will monitor the implementation of the program to ensure that its implementation will be smooth and effective.

Guarin said local governments that want to participate in the program may submit a proposal to the DA Bicol next year.

“To qualify for the project, they must have an ordinance promoting OA, have a stable OA program for one year, and have a budget allocated for the program,” she added. (PNA)