Declaration of Policy
- State commitment to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy controlled by Filipinos.
- Promotion of indigenous scientific and technological capabilities.
- Implementation of programs to conserve, propagate, and promote the Philippine carabao as a source of draft power, meat, milk, and hide.
Definitions
- "Philippine Carabao Center (PCC)": National and regional centers created under the Act.
- "Draft animal power": Power provided by carabaos as farm animals.
- "Smallholder farmer": Farmer owning/cultivating 5 hectares or less.
- "Semi-Commercial Production": Raising 20 to 49 carabaos.
Creation of the PCC
- Establishment of PCC under the supervision and control of the Department of Agriculture to manage the carabao program.
Powers and Functions of the PCC
- Conserve, propagate, promote the Philippine carabao.
- Provide quality carabao stocks at reasonable prices to farmers, especially smallholders and CARP beneficiaries.
- Conduct training programs for proper care, breeding, and processing of carabao products.
- Encourage backyard dairy development.
- Undertake research for productivity improvements.
- Increase carabao population growth to match human population growth.
- Enter into agreements and receive donations locally and internationally.
Priorities of the PCC
- Increase population and productivity.
- Develop feeding systems and improve reproductive efficiency.
- Address parasite and disease control.
- Conduct socioeconomic research on technology acceptance and viability.
- Develop cost-effective and practical technologies.
- Maintain 30-50% pure indigenous carabao stock.
PCC Advisory Board Composition
- Chairman: Secretary of Agriculture or representative.
- Vice Chairman: Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Agriculture.
- Members: Executive Director of PCC, heads of various agricultural universities and colleges, Director of Bureau of Animal Industry, and a farmers' representative.
Functions of the PCC Advisory Board
- Formulate policies, programs, and projects.
- Review and recommend PCC budget.
- Evaluate program implementation and effectiveness.
- Recommend establishment or abolition of carabao centers.
Executive Director of PCC
- Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Oversees implementation of policies and programs.
- Assists Advisory Board in review and monitoring.
Appointment and Functions of Directors or Project Leaders of Carabao Centers
- Appointed by respective board of regents or head of agency.
- Administer policies at their centers.
- Recommend staffing and budget.
- Approve expenditures and personnel appointments.
- Advise Executive Director.
Implementation and Coordination
- PCC Advisory Board and Executive Director coordinate and monitor the carabao program.
- Identification of programs in reproduction, breeding, nutrition, animal health, and processing.
- Thirteen centers initially established across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with specialized functions.
Farmer Participation
- Encouragement for farmers to form associations or cooperatives.
- Farmer groups act as focal points for government assistance and technology dissemination.
Beneficiaries
- Priority given to CARP beneficiaries, those under Presidential Decree No. 27, and smallholder farmers in dispersal programs.
Role of Department of Agriculture and LGUs
- Implementation of propagation and dispersal programs in coordination with PCC.
- Income from sales used as revolving fund for propagation.
Use of Funds
- Maximum 30% for personal services and operations.
- 10% for research and development.
- 60% for carabao dispersal and distribution.
Reporting
- Annual report submitted to the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives including data on carabao distribution and beneficiaries.
Transfer of Existing Programs
- Existing carabao programs from other agencies transferred to PCC upon enactment.
Appropriation
- Necessary funds included in General Appropriations Act following enactment.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals inconsistent laws and regulations except those under the Local Government Code.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers.