By Helen Castaño | 07:56 PM June 16, 2026
CATIGBIAN, Bohol — The municipal government of Catigbian is pursuing an ambitious goal of becoming the “Livestock Capital of the Philippines” through a series of projects and programs aimed at strengthening the local livestock industry and boosting agricultural productivity.
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva revealed the plan during the town’s 76th Foundation Day celebration, which also featured a weeklong Agro-Industrial Fair and Kadiwa as part of the Katigbawan Festival.
Oliva said livestock development is one of Catigbian’s natural strengths and serves as a cornerstone of the municipality’s long-term economic growth strategy.
As part of the initiative, the local government has imported livestock from Australia, including 40 Droughtmaster cows and 24 purebred Wagyu cattle. These animals will be used in a crossbreeding program with native cattle to improve local livestock quality and productivity.
The municipality currently manages about 300 native cattle and plans to add 150 more this year, another 300 in 2027, and 450 additional cattle in 2028 through a cattle livelihood program supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The local government has also acquired a 44-hectare property that will serve as its livestock farm.
To further support the livestock sector, the municipal government is set to begin construction of a P60-million regional food terminal funded by the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and the Department of Agriculture.
According to Oliva, the facility will help ensure a stable and affordable supply of animal feeds, including forage corn, sorghum and other livestock feed products. The terminal will also include cold storage facilities to maintain product quality and ensure continuous supply.
Livestock-based livelihood programs
Beyond its livestock development goals, the municipality is also working to reduce poverty through livestock-based livelihood programs. Oliva said members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are among the beneficiaries receiving cattle under the program, with the administration aiming to help families achieve self-sufficiency within the next nine years.
The mayor noted that a significant portion of the municipality’s 20 percent development fund has been allocated to agriculture, covering livestock development, crop production, farm-to-market roads, irrigation projects and other support programs for farmers.
Oliva emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among local government units, national agencies, the private sector and cooperatives to ensure the success of agricultural and livestock initiatives.
Catigbian’s broader agricultural development plan includes livestock farming, coffee and cacao production, agroforestry, bamboo cultivation, mungbean and peanut production, as well as the promotion of adlai as an alternative high-value crop.
To complement these efforts, the municipality has secured P40 million in funding from the Development Bank of the Philippines for farm mechanization, feedlots, forage storage facilities and other agricultural support infrastructure.
With these investments and expansion programs, Catigbian is positioning itself as a major center for livestock production while pursuing inclusive economic growth for its farming communities.
