Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija — The Philippine Army (PA) and the local government of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija have donated 10 goats to two indigenous people’s organizations to boost their agricultural livelihood.

Officers of the Charlie Company of the 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB), 7th Infantry handed five goats to the KM 08 Agriculture Association (KAA) and another five goats to the Upland Farmers Association (UFA) in a simple handover ceremony at the multipurpose hall of KM8, Barangay Villa Rica on 2 December 2024.

The donation also marks the beginning of the goat-raising business of KAA and UFA.

The 84IB said it is dedicated to empowering people’s organizations in the area through enhanced livelihoods that will help ensure for them a more prosperous and self-reliant future.

Sylvia B. Kimayong, president of KAA, thanked the PA and Pantabangan Mayor Roberto T. Agdipa for the donation. Kimayong said their goal is to multiply the goats.

Some of the goats might be used to make milk while others will be sold as livestock, she said.

“It depends what benefits the group. If the group decides to focus on increasing the number first, then that is what we are doing to these native goats,” she said.

Small dairy goat farmers can produce 0.5 to 0.75 liter of milk per doe per day for about 90 days from five does. They sell the fresh goat’s milk to customers, sometimes unpasteurized.

The 84IB also conducted a seminar on goat and hog raising for members of KAA and UFA headed by Danglipen M. Attam at the same venue on 28 November 2024.

Facilitating the seminars were Dr. Porfirio A. Dela Rosa, municipal veterinarian; Elena D.M. Miranda, Agricultural Technician II; and Trisha Mae G. Palad, farm worker who shared valuable insights into proper livestock care and efficient production practices.

The seminar provided essential learning on how to manage and care for goats and hogs, empowering farmers to minimize risks, improve their practices, and ensure the health and productivity of their animals.