DA-PCC at USM hosts the Mindanao Island Cluster 31st Anniversary Celebration: Executive Director Battad highlights the role of building strong alliances

With the theme “DA-PCC at 31: Excellence in Unity,” the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) celebrates its 31st Founding Anniversary on March 14, 2023, at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Commercial Building, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The theme highlights the remarkable achievements attained through cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity over the years among PCC personnel and partner institutions, all working harmoniously toward excellence in promoting the livestock industry.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Geoffray R. Atok, the Center Director of the DA-PCC at USM, highlighted the improvement of the agency through the years and how other partner agencies helped to uplift the lives of the Carapreneurs in the Philippines. He also underscored the critical role of the workforce in providing clients with the demands and framed unity despite diversity.

Through the lens of legislation, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, MNSA, the keynote speaker of the program, represented by Board Member Jonathan Tabara, emphasized the strong support of the province in the programs and projects of the agency. “Kami po ay sumusuporta sa lahat ng programa at adhikain ng PCC. Kami po ay humahanga sa PCC sa kanilang pagbibigay serbisyo. This year, we will allocate funds to buy 20 carabaos in answer to the call na ang Pilipinas ay maging importer of milk. I-di-disburse natin sa ating mga magsasaka at magkakaroon tayo ng trainings kasama ang PCC upang malaman nila na may kita sa pagkakalabaw.”

To present the cluster industry briefer, Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad framed the efforts of PCC for the carabao chain economy. “Let us shift our stories and focus where we can excel more in unity with our partners, patrons, colleagues, and friends. Today, we dedicate our 31st anniversary to all who allowed us to grow, build strong alliances, gain trust in the national and international sphere, and most importantly, affirm with us our formidable efforts in giving birth to the carabao supply chain economy.”

The event ended with the ceremonial turnover of the new ‘Alab Karbawan’ project and a symbolic act of unity and pledge of support. Also, the Deputy Executive Director of DA-PCC, Dr. Caro B. Salces, gave his closing message by thanking the partner agencies for all the time support to the programs of PCC.