BAGUIO CITY (PIA) –Preparations are underway for the planned P10 million-worth Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) project in the province of Apayao.

 The Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), in partnership with the Cagayan State University and the Provincial Government of Apayao, conducted an orientation to members of the Apayao Livestock Cooperative (ALC) in July 20 as part of the preparations.

Former PCC Region 2 Regional Director Frank Rellin said  the project generally aims to establish a carabao-based value chain model in the province.  It will be covered by a memorandum of agreement between the PCC and ALC with the PLGU and will be granted in the form of an animal breeder loan.

The PCC will initially provide 50 heads dairy carabaos, two motorcycles, several equipment, capability building trainings and other technical support services to facilitate production, processing and marketing of dairy products.  Forage area and housing requirements would be the PLGU's counterpart.

Governor Elias Bulut, Jr. expressed gratitude for being part of the project, a welcome development for the province, and a challenge to the beneficiaries.

"We are lucky to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of such a project. It is, however,  a challenge for us to let it flourish, multiply its benefits and later serve as an inspiration to other aspiring dairy farmers in the province to engage in the same," Bulut said.

 The CBIN, a brainchild of Senator Cynthia Villar, started in 2019   piloted in 18 provinces in Visayas, Mindanao, Region 3 and Region I. It eventually grew throughout the country. (JDP/RMC PIA-CAR / photos from PLGU Apayao)