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Care for Carabaos

Photo credit: http://www.philippinetrails.com/
Photo credit: http://www.philippinetrails.com/

Carabao or Kalabaw in Tagalog is scientifically dubbed as Bubalus Bubalis, the national animal of the Philippines. Traditionally, it symbolizes the Filipinos’ hard work and perseverance. A carabao is the Pinoy farmer’s best buddy in the ricefield, aiding in plowing the soil and harvesting crops. They also serve as a mode of transportation in barrios, and are a good source of nutritious milk and meat.

It was on January 26, 1954 when President Ramon Magsaysay declared the prohibition of slaughtering carabaos by virtue of Executive Order No.8. Prior to this, Republic Act No.11, which was approved on September 2, 1946, stated that the slaughtering of male and female carabaos, horses, mares and cows is prohibited, unless authorized by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary.

However, Magsaysay received a report that more than 150,000 carabaos were slaughtered from 1947 to 1953 in Manila and its outskirts, while around 247,000 were slaughtered in the provinces. This indiscriminate slaughtering resulted to scarcity of animals and the price increase of carabaos, which made it difficult for poor farmers to afford these beasts of burden.

Photo credit: http://www.pcc.gov.ph/
Photo credit: http://www.pcc.gov.ph/

The Philippine Carabao Act of 1992
Fast forward to 1992—a time when carabaos once again made it to the law-making scene. Republic Act No. 7307, also known as the Philippine Carabao Act of 1992, aims to establish various programs to conserve, propagate and promote the Philippine carabao as a source of draft animal power, meat, milk and hide.

The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) was also created under the Department of Agriculture, tasked to conserve our national animal, enable farmers to avail themselves of good quality carabao stocks at reasonable prices, and facilitate training programs for farmers about the proper care and reproduction of the carabao, including the processing of its milk and meat.

Photo credit: avrotor.blogspot.com
Photo credit: avrotor.blogspot.com

On December 3 to 4, 2015, the 1st National Carabao Conference was held in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Farmers, local government officials and representatives from different government agencies, as well as private organizations, were among the participants.

With its theme, “Celebrating Partnerships in Championing the Carabao Development Program”, the conference aimed to promote and improve the development of the carabao industry in the Philippines, which is considered to be a factor in poverty reduction, enhancing nutrition and income distribution, and people empowerment.

Carabaos and the Weather
Carabaos can adapt well to a hot and humid weather. However, water is important for their survival—which is why they always need to wallow in swamps and mud, or to be splashed with water for them to reduce thermal stress due to extreme heat.

During droughts, carabaos are also affected because they do not want to eat dried or withered leaves.

Photo credit: www.wsj.com
Photo credit: www.wsj.com

Festivals Celebrating the Carabao
Locals in the province of Bulacan celebrate the Carabao Festival every 14th and 15th of May. Particularly held in Pulilan, Bulacan, it serves as an honour to its patron saint, San Isidro Labarador for the year-long bountiful harvest.

And because carabaos are considered to be a great partners of farmers, this festival also pays tribute to the mighty carabaos. It is also a time to showcase the unique talents and characteristics of these animals, such as genuflecting or kneeling in front of the church – a scene that always stir the crowd.

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Meanwhile in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, the “Gatas ng Kalabaw” Festival is also celebrated every 9th of December. Considered as the “Dairy Capital of the Philippines”, the province of Nueva Ecija aims to promote dairy milk from carabaos and its contribution to health and nutrition among farmers and consumers.

Photo credit: http://www.traveltothephilippines.info/
Photo credit: http://www.traveltothephilippines.info/

Just like our pets at home, carabaos also need our care. Aside from being helpers in the rice fields, they also play a big part in the lives of farmers. Carabaos are symbols of Philippine culture, and the epitome of strength, humility and hard work – qualities that every Filipino should be proud of.

Sources:
http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
http://kahimyang.info
http://www.pcc.gov.ph
http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

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