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Leaders of an agrarian reform beneficiary organization in Masbate receive a heifer for breeding on March 19, 2025.  Rosanne Zurbito, the information officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for Masbate, announced Wednesday that DAR provided cattle production starter kits to organized beneficiaries of the Agrarian Reform Program in the province. (Text by PIA Masbate; photo by Rosanne Zurbito of DAR) 

MASBATE CITY, Masbate (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced last Wednesday that it provided a cattle production starter kit worth P1.07 million to eight agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBO) in Masbate.

Rosanne Zurbito, DAR information officer for Masbate, said the starter kits include cattle, feed and vitamins.

Through this livelihood assistance, DAR aims to bolster the cattle production and fattening business of the agrarian reform beneficiaries set to benefit from the starter kits, Zurbito said.

“These resources will help them improve their livelihoods, and thus also help in the growth and development of the rural economy in Masbate,” said Ma. Theresa Bacayo, chief of the Provincial Beneficiaries Development Division.

During the distribution, agrarian reform officers taught beneficiaries how to care for their cattle and use the vitamins included in their starter kits, stressing the importance of livestock health.

Zurbito noted that this initiative is part of the DAR’s Sustainable Livelihood Support program, which aims to boost agricultural productivity amid climate change challenges.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the assistance.

“These resources are a significant help,” said Deolfa Malunes, an ARBO leader.

“With DAR Masbate’s support, we are confident we can establish successful cattle enterprises and improve our economic well-being,” she added.

The following groups received the DAR’s livelihood support: Libertad Cawayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, CabungahanAgrarian Reform Cooperative, Dalipe Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization,Ayat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, Arado Agrarian ReformBeneficiaries Organization, Sawmill Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, Ilaya Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, and Balocawe ARB Cooperative. (PIA5/Masbate)

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/masbate-farmers-receive-over-p1m-in-cattle-starter-kit/