If you were to ask a Filipino regarding the appearance of a farmer, do not be astonished if the carabao is mentioned as well. The two are, in fact, collaborators in the realm of agriculture. The carabao serves as the farmer’s beast of burden, assisting in pulling the plow and harrow, as well as transporting farm produce during market time.
In Northern Samar, the traditional payatak farming method continues to be the favored approach among local farmers. Initially, rainwater or redirected watersheds are utilized to soften the soil in the rice paddies. Following this, farmers guide a team of carabaos to trample the planting area until it is adequately saturated to support the rice seedlings.
Although there is presently no law that designates the carabao as a national symbol, it is widely acknowledged by many Filipinos as the country’s animal emblem. In the late 1980s, a modern carabao puppet character, referred to as Kardong Kalabaw, became well-known. This beloved figure has come to symbolize the diligence and resilience of the Filipino populace.
In addition, a festival is celebrated in honor of this animal. During the Carabao Festival, the creatures are bathed and adorned with ribbons and flowers. Following the carabao races, the animals are paraded in front of the local church, where they are made to kneel for a blessing.
However, in spite of all these factors, mechanized farming has led to the displacement of carabaos from the agricultural landscape. If you travel to rural regions where rice cultivation continues, you will observe that there are very few carabaos working the fields.
According to the livestock and poultry situation report from the Philippine Statistics Authority dated March 31, 2025, the total inventory of carabaos was estimated to be 2.64 million heads. This reflects a decrease of 2.3% compared to the same period last year, when it recorded 2.70 million heads.
Approximately 99.3% of the country’s carabao population is derived from smallhold farms, while the remaining 0.5% and 0.1% are sourced from semi-commercial and commercial farms, respectively.
“If we do not take action immediately, we may find ourselves in a situation where our agricultural sector lacks carabaos entirely,” said an official from the Department of Agriculture.
There are various types of large-hoofed mammals characterized by a prominent pair of horns on their heads. However, the true buffalo consists of only three species, as stated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). These species include the African buffalo, the water buffalo, and the anoa.
While buffalo may resemble bison – with American bison often being called buffalo – they are distinct animals. To distinguish buffalo from bison, you can examine their geographical origins and horn structure. Buffaloes are exclusively found in Africa and Asia, and they possess significantly larger horns compared to bison.
The domesticated buffaloes of the country (scientific name: Bubalus bubalis) have traditionally been divided into two subspecies: swamp buffaloes and riverine buffaloes.
However, a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of the Philippines–Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology and the Philippine Carabao Center provides evidence suggesting that these two groups are not merely subspecies but are, in fact, fundamentally different from each other.
Swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis carabanensis) serve a crucial role in agricultural practices by aiding farmers in land tilling, transporting equipment, and providing resources such as meat, milk, hide, and manure, which is utilized as organic fertilizer.
Riverine buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis bubalis), on the other hand, are predominantly utilized for milk production. In the Philippines, extensive crossbreeding and backcrossing of these two breeds aim to develop animals with enhanced capabilities for both milk and meat production, despite their inherent differences.
The UP researchers undertook a study to find out the taxonomic classification of swamp and riverine buffaloes. Their findings revealed that the DNA sequences of genes from both types of buffaloes are distinguishable, and they possess differing chromosome numbers. This evidence confirms that they represent two separate species rather than mere subspecies of the country’s native carabao.
The team asserts that the Philippine native carabao, presently designated as Bubalus bubalis carabanensis, ought to be reclassified as Bubalus kerabau.
“The reclassification of the Bubalus bubalis carabanensis to Bubalus kerabau supports earlier assumptions that riverine and swamp buffaloes are distinct,” said UP’s Dr. Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla. “Confusions on the classifications of the two buffaloes have implications on the breeding program of these species.”
Although carabao is the beast of burden in the country, it didn’t receive any attention from the government in the past.
It wasn’t until the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in Nueva Ecija came into existence. It was created when then President Corazon C. Aquino signed Republic Act 7307 (authored by then senator Joseph Estrada) in 1992.
An attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, PCC is mandated to conserve, propagate and promote the carabao as a source of milk, meat, draft power, and hide to benefit the rural farmers.
The PCC started its operation in 1993 and now has 12 regional centers strategically situated in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “To avail of our services, visit the regional center nearest you or get in touch with them directly,” the PCC said on its website.
The PCC’s program has three components: genetic conservation and utilization, social and enterprise development, and research and development. “We genetically improve the productivity of our native animals,” said Dr. Libertado C. Cruz, former PCC executive director. “This is aimed at improving the breed of the native animals to produce crossbreeds that have better potential for milk production.”
Dr. Cruz is affiliated with the Agricultural Sciences Division of the National Academy of Science and Technology. He is acknowledged for his substantial contributions to animal science, particularly in the field of reproductive biotechnology. He revolutionized the breeding practices of water buffaloes (carabaos) by introducing innovative techniques that significantly facilitate herd expansion for farmers.
Through his investigations into Artificial Insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), he established the groundwork for formalizing these methods as the national benchmark for enhancing the population of Philippine carabaos.
Carabao’s milk is considered the “most complete food” because it contains protein, fat, lactose, vitamins and minerals, and water. Carabao’s milk is richer and creamier than cow’s or goat’s milk due to its high percentage of milk fat which is also a good source of energy. “The water buffalo milk is considered the finest among dairy animal milk,” said Dr. Cruz.
The milk production from native carabaos is relatively low, and milking activities are conducted only in specific communities, mainly for domestic consumption and for the creation of local carabao milk products.
According to the PCC, the rise in the population of crossbred carabaos – resulting from the interbreeding of dairy buffalo and native carabaos – has afforded farmers new opportunities to enhance milk output, as these crossbreds typically yield an average of 4.5 liters per day.
Carabao’s milk can be processed into chocolate-flavored milk, pastilles de leche (milk candy), kesong puti (white cheese), milk-o-jel, condensed milk, cheese spread, ice cream, mozzarella, or rennet (coagulated milk).
Aside from milk, carabao also offers big opportunities for the meat industry. Based on data released by the United States Department of Agriculture, carabeef has 41% less cholesterol, 92% less fat and 56% fewer calories than beef. Recent studies regarding the chemical composition of carabeef show that fresh carabeef obtained higher crude protein than pork and beef.
“Ground carabeef has an exquisite flavor and texture,” said a fact sheet disseminated by the PCC. “Buffalo meat is tender. It has little or no marbling or outside fat, so only a small amount of juice is lost when it is cooked.”
Another good thing about carabeef: the meat is produced with fewer hormones or antibiotics. “Carabaos are not raised in mass and are not fed in feedlot such as that done in cattle. Carabaos are raised mainly out of nature’s fodder and grain,” the PCC explains.
Carabao is equally important for its hide. Filipinos consume a lot of chicharon made of carabao hide, kare-kare, which is partly skin of the animal, and a favorite pulutan, softened thin slices of hide spiced heavily with ginger, onion and red pepper.
As the value of carabao’s milk and meat became increasingly acknowledged, the PCC focused on programs that enhance the quality and production of these products. Just recently, it introduced two unique breeds: Matipuno and Dalisay line.
Matipuno is noted for its exceptional quality of carabao meat, while Dalisay is specifically bred for superior milk production. The name Matipuno, which signifies hardiness, reflects the high quality of the meat, whereas Dalisay, meaning pure, indicates the exceptional quality of the milk.
“The primary concept behind Matipuno and Dalisay lies in their distinguished lineage, which determines their capability for meat or milk production, rather than the animal’s gender,” the PCC explains. “For example, a female buffalo may belong to the ‘Dalisay’ breed, yet its lineage may be more aligned with producing high-quality meat instead of milk.”
As of March last year, the PCC was able to produce 40,718 genetically improved calves, achieved through artificial insemination (AI), Bull Entrustment Program (BEP), private bulls, and institutional herds. These efforts contribute to the increasing availability of high-quality buffalo genetics for milk and meat production that support sustainable livelihoods.
“PCC’s efforts showcase our dedication to excellence and our commitment to improving the lives of rural farming families,” said Dr. Liza G. Battad, PCC’s current executive director. “Together, we can continue to thrive and ensure a prosperous future all tungo sa isang maalab na Bagong Pilipinas.”
Meanwhile, the significance of carabao as a source of draft power continues to be crucial, especially in rain-fed or upland regions. But with the introduction of mechanization, there has been a considerable replacement of carabao by hand tractors, particularly in irrigated rice-producing areas across the country.
In upland areas, the use of carabao tends to increase as farm sizes grow, except in Luzon, where many larger farms opt for hand tractors for land preparation.
In addition to their draft capabilities, carabaos can contribute to income generation and job creation, according to the PCC, which noted that the majority of the country’s carabaos are primarily utilized for draft purposes in sugarcane plantations, as well as rice and corn farms, and for hauling.
In the Philippines, the carabao is engaged in continuous labor from the age of four years until 15 years or even longer. Research indicates that three female carabaos can accomplish the work typically done by two male carabaos.
As a draft animal, the carabao is exceptionally impressive. It is capable of pulling plows, harrows, and carts loaded with several tons, navigating through mud that reaches its belly. Carabaos are here to stay.
As outlined in the PCC fact sheet: “The carabao and Philippine agriculture will remain closely linked for many years to come. This is largely due to the fact that a significant portion of our agricultural land remains unirrigated. Additionally, the number of landowners with one hectare or less has notably increased. This trend may be attributed to the shrinking land area in relation to the growing number of farming families in rural regions.
“Unless the industrial sector can absorb this available labor force, these families will continue to rely on the produce from their diminishing land holdings. Therefore, integrating crops and livestock is the most viable strategy for survival. In this context, the carabao is thus essential.”
