The city government of Tuguegarao, through its veterinary office, distributed 170 goats to 34 members of the Goat Raisers Association of Tuguegarao City (GRATC) in Cagayan province on Tuesday.

During the distribution at the City Veterinary Office, Dr. Pastor Tumaliuan Jr., the city veterinarian, said all target beneficiaries completed a six-month goat-raising training, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to care for the animals.

“Each of them received five goats – four females and one male – under our livestock dispersal program,” he said during the activity.

He said the goat dispersal program aims to boost farmers’ income and improve food security.

GRATC president Conrado Adduru thanked Tuguegarao City government, led by Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que, for supporting goat raisers’ livelihoods.

“This is the best Christmas gift we received,” he said in Filipino, adding that they look forward to increasing the city’s goat production so they can share the offspring with others.

For her part, Que has encouraged the farmer-beneficiaries to properly care for the goats and to participate actively in the upcoming training and monitoring activities to help ensure the program’s success. (PNA)