Livestock Day Highlights Farmers’ Resilience, Strengthens Agricultural Support in Lanao del NorteLANAO DEL NORTE (PIA) — Livestock farmers and raisers in the province received recognition and livelihood assistance as the provincial government celebrated Livestock Day on July 1, highlighting the important contribution of the livestock sector to agricultural development in Lanao del Norte.The activity, held at the Agora Complex in Sagadan, Tubod, was part of the province’s 67th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration. It featured various competitions and activities, including carabao racing, carabao painting, pig-catching contests, farm family games, and the Pinaka Livestock Contest, which showcased cattle and carabaos produced through the artificial insemination program.
For longtime farmer Benjamin Lesola of Tubod, the celebration became an opportunity to honor the farming livelihood he has maintained since he was 14 years old. Now 69, Lesola continues to grow corn, mung beans, eggplant, string beans, and other crops while caring for his 13-year-old carabao.Although modern farm machinery has reduced the animal’s role in plowing fields, Lesola said his carabao remains useful in transporting coconuts and other farm products.
A regular participant in the carabao painting contest, Lesola shared that the activity allows farmers to come together, enjoy the celebration, and strengthen their connection with fellow agricultural workers.Meanwhile, 81-year-old Laureto Pamiron of Baroy joined the carabao painting contest for the first time with his 16-year-old carabao, “Mimi,” which previously earned recognition in several carabao racing competitions. With encouragement from agricultural technicians, Pamiron used the event as an opportunity to showcase his longtime farm companion.
Aside from celebrating the efforts of farmers, Livestock Day also served as a venue for providing government support to livestock raisers. The Department of Agriculture distributed ipil-ipil and flemingia seedlings to improve forage production, while the Provincial Veterinary Office provided poultry feeders and waterers to support backyard poultry raising.Participants in the pig-catching contest also received pigs and animal feeds, which they can use for additional income generation or household needs.One of the beneficiaries, Kyle Mabugnon of Tubod, expressed gratitude after receiving a pig and feeds from the competition. She said the assistance would help reduce production expenses as they raise the animal for their family’s upcoming celebration.Through Livestock Day, the provincial government continues to recognize the dedication of farmers and livestock raisers while strengthening programs that promote sustainable agricultural production and improve rural livelihoods in Lanao del Norte.(LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
The Provincial Veterinary Office distributes poultry feeders and waterers to beneficiaries during the Livestock Day celebration to support backyard poultry production in Lanao del Norte. (Photo: LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Kyle Mabugnon poses with the pig she won in the Pig-catching Contest, along with animal feeds provided during the Livestock Day celebration held as part of the 67th Araw ng Lanao del Norte in Tubod. The prizes support backyard hog raising and help beneficiaries reduce production costs. (Photo: LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
The Department of Agriculture distributes ipil-ipil and flemingia seedlings to livestock raisers during the Livestock Day celebration to support forage production and improve the availability of animal feed in Lanao del Norte. (Photo: LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
