South Cotabato, Philippines – The Animal Production and Demonstration Center (APDC), operating under the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), continues to play a vital role in improving livestock productivity and supporting the livelihood of marginalized farmers in South Cotabato.
Primarily established for livestock operations, the APDC currently manages dairy cows and riverine buffaloes for milk production. The milk processed at the center is distributed to communities with children who have low nutritional status, contributing to the province’s fight against malnutrition.
In 2024 and the first semester of 2025, the APDC collected a total of 2,201 liters of milk, which were processed into 1,400 bottles for community distribution. These efforts highlight the province’s commitment to improving nutritional health through locally produced milk.
Aside from dairy production, the APDC also operates animal dispersal programs benefiting farmers across the province. Data shows that during this period, a total of 4,267 animals were produced and 2,126 dispersed, consisting of:
- 2,987 chickens,
- 1,034 ducks,
- 130 rabbits,
- 104 small ruminants (goats and sheep), and
- 12 large ruminants (cattle and carabaos)
In poultry production, the center raises mallard and muscovy ducks, as well as upgraded chicken breeds such as Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, White Leghorn, and native chickens, which are also part of the dispersal program.
The APPC offers four main services to the people of South Cotabato:
- Animal Dispersal Program – This is the most commonly requested service. Interested individuals or organizations must submit a Letter of Intent addressed to the Provincial Governor, with attention to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.
The program also works closely with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), particularly with its Organic Agriculture Program, and caters to requests endorsed by the Barangay Affairs Unit and the Provincial Nutrition Office.
Dr. Kelvin Lucena, DVM, explained that due to the high number of requests, validation is carefully conducted to ensure that the most deserving beneficiaries are prioritized.
“Once we receive the letter of intent, we conduct a validation,” Dr. Lucena said. “I ask for understanding because there are some applicants we cannot grant assistance to, as we prioritize marginalized farmers who are truly in need of livelihood programs,” Lucena shared.
He further noted that the validation process includes field assessment and recommendations from validators.
“If a farmer requests a carabao for plowing, we explain to them to wait a little longer, and once it’s ready for release, that’s when we will give it,” he added.
- Technology Transfer and Orientation – Once beneficiaries receive their livestock, they undergo orientation and training to ensure proper care, feeding, and management of the animals.
- Basic On-Call Services – The APPC provides free animal health services, including deworming, vitamin injections, castration, natural breeding, and artificial insemination.
- Artificial Insemination Program – This service supports livestock breeding and genetic improvement, enhancing productivity and animal quality.
Additionally, Dr. Lucena mentioned that farmers who need animal feed or forage can freely obtain it from the APDC.
“If they don’t have animal feed, they come here to get some — they just come over, and it’s free of charge,” he said.
Through these sustained programs and services, the APDC and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian continue to advance South Cotabato’s vision of strengthening its agricultural base, empowering farmers, and promoting food security — all while ensuring that growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
