Cattle raising to provide income potential to out-of-school youth
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga recently rolled-out a special livelihood program for the out-of-school youth (OSY) dubbed as, "Cattle Raising Credit Business Enterprise," through a kick-off orientation on cattle raising credit and financing facility held at the Negosyo Center, Capitol Compound, Surigao City.
The said program aims to encourage, empower and provide start-up capital among less fortunate OSY to venture into agriculture and become productive members of the society.
According to Noel Clarence Ducusin, DA chief administrator of Agricultural Credit Policy Council and cattle loan program officer-in-charge, as Surigao del Norte served as pilot area in Mindanao for the said program, a total of 28 potential OSY borrowers from the municipalities of Claver Bacuag, Gigaquit and Alegria were identified, oriented and offered the credit program for the cattle-fattening business enterprise through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
Ducusin added that all eligible OSY with good moral character and are willing to borrow could avail of up to P200,000 to be used for the said cattle raising venture, with an easy loan term. He further explained that the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), likewise committed to provide market linkages to potential livestock buyers to ensure the sustainable income of the beneficiaries of the program.
"Prior to the provision of capital the said out-of- school youth-borrowers, they will first undergo technical training at the DA's Agricultural Training Institute to equip them with knowledge and competence," emphasized Ducusin.
On his part, Angelo P. Dagoc, one of the beneficiaries of the program, expressed gratitude to the government and showed excitement as this served his first experience and attendance to a seminar that will transform him to be an entrepreneur saying, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa gobyerno at binigyan kami ng halaga at opportunidad na kumita at magkaroon ng sariling negosyo, upang makatulong sa pamilya, sa komunidad at sa bansa natin [ I thank the government for giving me a chance to have and develop my own business and earn income so I can help my family, community and the country]."
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers considered this program as beacon of hope to the OSY and will definitely nurture the youth as the hope of the country. With high trust, the governor encouraged this sector of the society to grasp the opportunity to engage in the cattle production and become productive in agriculture.
"We always aim where every young individual regardless of their circumstances and background is given the opportunity to shine bright. This will only knock once, so seize this opportunity." Barbers spotlighted.
Cattle Raising Credit Business Enterprise is an inter-agency collaboration among visionaries from the government and private institutions such as the DA-ACPC, Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Cantilan Bank, and the local government units. This joint effort sees the potential of the out - of -school youth and through empowerment, they will soon be great contributors to nation building. (with report from DA-Caraga/SDR, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
