On Friday (May 8, 2020) 15 farmer beneficiaries in Ilocos Sur received 85 heads of goat amounting to 1.28 million which is part of the Innovative Family Enterprise Development (IFED) Project of DA-RFO I under its goat production component.

The activity which was conducted at ISPSC, Sta. Maria campus is a development project of the Department of Agriculture – Ilocos Region initiated by Regional Executive Director Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr. with RTD for Research & Development Dr. Jovita M. Datuin. The project aims to increase food production amidst the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic on food security. The IFED project fund amounts to P106.438 million where P94.984 million was allocated for the livestock and poultry production component.

Prior to the distribution of the said stocks, the recipients were briefed on the proper management of goat as they are required to make a repayment by dispersing the goats to their selected family members two years after.

The beneficiaries who are all members of the United 69ers farmers association received six heads of goats (one buck and five does) with an estimated amount of P90,000 each.

Aside from goats, planting materials for forage feed will also be given to the recipients such as napier grass, para grass, guinea grass, and arachis to ensure good and proper ration of the animals.

The distribution activity was spearheaded by DA – RFO I OIC- Research & Division chief Ms. Cathy Pastor with staff Mr. Ricardo Collado and Ms. Abigail Bayaua, livestock coordinator from the province of Ilocos Sur.