The ongoing efforts of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI and Capiz State University (CapSU)-Pontevedra Campus in elevating dairy farming practices through the CEST-Enrichment of Community Through Science, Technology, and Innovation project are making steady progress with each goal being achieved one step at a time.

Local farmers in Brgy. Binuntucan, Pontevedra, Capiz participated in the “Training on Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming” which is about the breeding management systems for dairy buffalo production and best practices for improving the efficiency of Artificial Insemination (AI) on October 31, 2024. The training focused on developing effective dairy business models, equipping farmers with the skills to establish and grow successful enterprises for long-term economic benefits.

Preceding this activity, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) launched the “Strengthening Artificial Insemination Services Through the OMK! Communication Campaign (KARBAWAN)” project on October 29, 2024 at the Brgy. Binuntucan Gymnasium. The said event, attended and supported by the DOST Capiz, is a campaign that expands local awareness of AI services, aligning well with the CEST project and enhancing the collective efforts of government agencies and institutions involved in advancing dairy farming initiatives. Additionally, the deployment of a newly trained AI technician to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pontevedra was highlighted. This technician will assist local farmers in the municipality, who will be working closely with the farmers from Brgy. Binuntucan and farm caretakers from CapSU-Pontevedra Campus, through providing essential AI services to improve the breeding and productivity of carabaos.

In strengthening AI services, the CEST and KARBAWAN project supports the broader goal of improving livestock breeding and advancing dairy farming in the region. (LNGGebauer, MCPielago/DOST Capiz)