Baguio: P1M Rabbit farm turned over to Irisan Farmer’s Cooperative

The Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) turned over a Rabbit Multiplier Farm project worth 1 million pesos to the Irisan Rabbit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative on August 16, 2023 in Irisan, Baguio City.

DA-CAR Livestock Program Coordinator Dr. Kevin Jim Luna explained that the purpose of the establishment of multiplier farms around the region is for the FCAs to cater to the supply of rabbits for the other farmer groups who would like to venture into the rabbitry business.

City Veterinarian Dr. Silardo B. Bested said, “The effort of the government must be reciprocated by the beneficiary to ensure the success of the rabbit farm. This project is good because if this multiplier farm becomes successful then there will be an income for the Irisan Rabbit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative,” he said.

Furthermore, DA-CAR OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene Sagayo supported the purpose of the multiplier farm as explained by Dr. Luna. “We should adopt the ‘Principle of Receiving and Giving,” she said.

Irisan Rabbit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative Chairman Alexander Castillo expressed their gratitude for the said multiplier farm project. “As we can see, the rabbit merchandise is rapidly advancing, and with the support of the national and local government units, I believe that this partnership is an instrument for the success of our association, family, and community,” he said. He also acknowledged significant people who have shown their full support throughout the process, specifically the Agricultural Provincial Coordination Office headed by Dr. Ofelia Ducayag.

Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC)- Cordillera Chairperson Ryan Palunan also believes in the potential of the rabbit industry in the region regardless of the current challenges, especially in marketing. However, he is still hopeful of the success of the project. “We are grateful to the city of Baguio for the support that they are giving us, which is bridging the gap between the farmers and the market,” he said.

Also present during the ceremony were representatives from the offices of Congressman Mark Go, City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice-mayor Faustino Olowan, Irisan barangay officials Arthur Carlos and Thomas Dumalti. (Tan Dulag, Livestock Program)

(Source: Baguio City Public Information Office Facebook page)