Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) formally received dairy buffaloes through the Entrustment of Dairy Buffaloes program of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on February 6, 2026, at the DSSC Kapoc, Matanao Extension Campus.
The initiative aims to strengthen the College’s Agriculture Program, particularly the Animal Science major, by providing additional livestock to support laboratory requirements and hands-on training. The entrusted dairy buffaloes are expected to enhance experiential learning and help prepare students with practical, real-life skills in livestock management and dairy production.
The partnership was realized through a proposal jointly developed by the College and the DSSC Faculty Association, which ultimately paved the way for the formal collaboration between DA-PCC at USM and DSSC. Congressman John Tracy F. Cagas served as one of the key proponents of the initiative and played a significant role in facilitating the request for dairy buffaloes in coordination with DSSC President Dr. Augie E. Fuentes.
In his opening message, Congressman Cagas emphasized the importance of equipping the youth with skills that go beyond social media and purely theoretical learning. “The world is changing fast, but DSSC is here to help prepare the youth for that,” he said, highlighting the role of the College in providing real-world, practice-based education.
DSSC President Dr. Augie E. Fuentes welcomed the entrusted dairy buffaloes and described the occasion as a long-awaited milestone for the Kapoc campus. “It’s time for us to celebrate the time I have been dreaming about—for different livestock animals to fill our farm and laboratory here in Kapoc. Here comes these carabaos we have been dreaming about,” she said. Dr. Fuentes added “while there is still much to be done in the campus, the College is moving toward establishing its own milking parlor where various dairy buffalo products will eventually be processed”.
The Municipality of Matanao was represented by Municipal Administrator Atty. Gerard Tinampay, who conveyed the local government’s gratitude for the project. He expressed his gratitude for the people of Matanao who are among the primary beneficiaries of the initiative. Representatives from the Matanao Agriculture Office were also present and committed to supporting the College throughout the implementation of the project.
USM Center Director for Agriculture Geoffray R. Atok, PhD., explained that the partnership was the result of a series of discussions with Dr. Fuentes and Congressman Cagas. He expressed confidence in DSSC’s capacity to revitalize and sustain the project, assuring continued support from DA-PCC not only in technical aspects but also in academic collaboration. He concluded his message with the Center’s slogan, “Wow na Wow, Carabao!”
In his acceptance speech, DSSC Faculty Association President Dr. Andrew Felix Cunanan IV stated that the turnover symbolizes more than just livestock and dairy production. He emphasized that it represents progress, partnership, and a shared commitment among institutions. He also affirmed the Faculty Association’s responsibility in helping care for the animals and ensuring the success of the project.
Closing the program, Matanao Extension Campus Administrator Noel E. Menor expressed his gratitude to Dr. Fuentes for her continued support of initiatives that advance the College. He also thanked Director Atok, Congressman Cagas, and all partners who made the project possible. Menor pledged the campus’ commitment to revitalizing the initiative and working toward its long-term success.
The entrustment of dairy buffaloes marks a significant step in strengthening DSSC’s Agriculture Program and reinforces its commitment to providing quality, practice-based education for future agricultural professionals. The initiative supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through strengthened livestock and dairy production, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing hands-on agricultural learning, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by preparing students with industry-relevant skills.
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