MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Livestock and poultry stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao gathered last October 30–31 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, to celebrate the 5th National Livestock and Poultry Month

Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Livestock Program, the two-day festival brought together industry players, Local Government Unit (LGU) veterinary offices, and students from nearby high schools and agriculture colleges/universities.

Under the theme “Panagdur-as: Makabagong Kasanayan, Lakas ng Paghahayupan para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the event sought to ignite industry growth, empower local producers, foster renewed public-private partnerships, and inspire the youth to pursue agriculture-related programs.

DA Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit, Engr. Roger V. Navarro, highlighted the industry’s strategies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness. He also discussed national commitments in waste management and regional trade.

“We must establish waste processing plants for livestock and poultry to generate organic fertilizer and power. This aligns with our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the undersecretary said.

He further emphasized the agency’s initiatives to boost beef production and strengthen export readiness, particularly within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Adding a touch of fun and learning, the festival featured farm fair games including Battle of the Brains, Barn Dance, Poster-Making, Egg-Pig-Chicken Catching, Putok-Batok Eating Contest, and Live-Weight Estimation. Participants included high school students from Impasug-ong and Dalwangan National High Schools, and college students from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) – Sumilao Campus, Xavier University, and Central Mindanao University (CMU).

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan expressed delight at the students’ enthusiastic participation.

“I am glad to see the students here celebrating with us. The DA needs individuals like you who hold deep interest and appreciation for agriculture,” he said.

The culmination of the event saw CMU crowned overall champion, followed by Xavier University in second place and Impasug-ong National High School in third. The celebration concluded with a field visit to the National Artificial Breeding Center (NABC), where students observed various breeds of cattle and gained practical insights.

The National Livestock and Poultry Month celebration underscores DA-10’s commitment to ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of livestock and poultry products, strengthening industry competitiveness through regional trade, and supporting the country’s agricultural priorities in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s ASEAN Chairship in 2026. (BJCE/melbmadera)