By Leilanie Adriano
LAOAG CITY – On Tuesday, the province of Ilocos Norte disbursed PHP16 million worth of cattle to 261 farmer-beneficiaries.
Recipients were selected based on individual or group requests made to the “Agri Ka Dito” hotline of the provincial government.
Funded by the province’s share in tobacco excise tax, the cattle distribution program aims to support local livelihoods.
“Cattle raising offers a viable livelihood. To those interested, please submit your requests for assistance in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and livelihood, and we’ll endeavor to provide our utmost support,” stated Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc during the distribution event in Bacarra town.
Launched in 2022, the “Agri Ka Dito” program is a flagship program of the provincial government aimed to help farmers and fisherfolk amidst the skyrocketing cost of agriculture inputs.
Prior to the distribution, the Provincial Veterinary Office conducted basic livestock raising skills training for the beneficiaries.
“This is a big help to our farmers to increase their income,” provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela said, saying cattle-raising serves as an alternative livelihood for livestock raisers previously affected by the African swine fever.
Once the cattle produces offsprings, the beneficiaries are required to return some to the province to be given to the next beneficiary.
Philippine Statistics Authority data show that Ilocos Norte posted a 6.21 percent annual increase in total cattle inventory from 71,947 heads to 76,413 heads in the first quarter of 2023.
The increase was reflected both in commercial farms and backyard cattle inventory. (PNA)
