by Noel T. Provido
The introduction of modern farming techniques has relegated the lowly carabao to the background. The use of tractors and other farm machineries in many Philippine farms has reduced the farmers’ dependence on the carabao’s draft power.
But, for small farmers in barangay Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, the carabao remains as their constant companion in doing majority of their farming activities.
“The carabao helps us a lot during land preparation as well as in transporting our farms’ inputs and produce,” said Castor Taladua, the chairman of the Esperanza Irrigators’ Multipurpose Cooperative (EIMC).
Taladua said most of the farmers in their cooperative prefer the carabao over the hand tractor “because the animal does not require maintenance,” adding that “not all areas in the barangays are irrigated, making it difficult for hand tractors to till the land.”
“Although it would only require a minimal amount to own a carabao, small farmers can hardly afford to acquire one. Most of us simply rent the animal for land preparation, which adds to our financial expenses,” he said.
Realizing the need to raise their own carabaos, the small farmers turned to their municipal government which in turn endorsed their cooperative as one of the beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture’s–Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP).
John Gamboa, DA-Caraga regional livestock chief, said that through the program’s Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD), the coop availed itself of one packet of carabaos (ten females and one male) in 2008.
“Since only a few members were able to avail of the dispersal, they agreed that recipients must turn over the offsprings to their coop for distribution to next-in-line beneficiaries,” Gamboa said.
Taladua said those who availed themselves of the dispersed animals now claim that they save at least P2,000 as they no longer pay for labor and animal rental. Two of the animals are now pregnant and expected to deliver their offspring in a few months.
“We also agreed that recipients should take care of their own animals. They should not also over-work their carabaos, like carrying heavy loads in the form of timber,” he said.
The good thing about the animal dispersal project was that it developed the bayanihan spirit among its members. For members to maximize the availability of one draft animal, at least five individuals take turns in tilling a hectare of land.
“We are grateful to DA-MRDP for providing us the necessary assistance that makes our farming activities easier,” Taladua said.
For small-scale farmers like him, Taladua said carabaos will not only continue to be the symbol of patience, hardwork, and strength–but also of hope and better opportunities.
