In an effort to strengthen the agriculture sector in the region, the Department of Agriculture’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Program (NUPAP) distributed six does and two bucks of upgraded goats to eight farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the province of Pangasinan as part of the community garden package on May 25, 2023.

The distribution took place in two locations, with five FCAs receiving the upgraded goats in PREC-Sta. Barbara, and three FCAs in PREC-Sual, Pangasinan. The total value of the distributed upgraded goats amounted to 1,003,590 pesos.

This initiative aimed to enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable community farming while diversifying the sources of livelihood for people in urban and peri-urban areas. As part of the distribution plan, the first female offspring from these upgraded goats will be rolled out among qualified members of the FCA within two years, fostering cooperation and supporting the expansion of the program.

Moreover, the recipients are required to insure the animals with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). In the unfortunate event of sudden death or if the animals fall ill, recipients are also required to report immediately to their respective Local Government Unit (LGU), Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), or the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 (DA RFO 1).

Aside from the goats given to the FCAs, the department together with the LGUs will also provide technical assistance and capacity development to the recipients.