BAGUIO CITY — A livestock cooperative in Apayao is taking bold steps to boost sustainable animal feed production using government-supported technology. After nearly three years of integrating science-driven solutions, the Apayao Livestock-Agriculture Cooperative (ALAC) is now poised to significantly expand the output of its forage-based feed pellets—offering greater food security for livestock farmers and creating new income opportunities.
Speaking at the 2025 North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit, ALAC representative Edison Orus shared that the cooperative is targeting a monthly production of 1,000 kilograms, a major leap from the current annual output of 711 kilograms. The plan includes the acquisition of a mechanical dryer, expansion of raw material production areas, and stronger linkages with agricultural suppliers to sustain the growth.
“The goal is to ensure year-round feed availability for our members’ sheep and goats, while also supplying surplus to the wider public,” Orus said during a “TechTalk” session. “Our pellets have a shelf life of at least six months, which is critical during Apayao’s long rainy season when grazing isn’t possible.”
With support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Apayao, the cooperative began working with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in mid-2023 to adopt their feed pellet formulation technology. This initiative followed a government program that distributed sheep and goats to Apayao residents to support livelihood diversification.
Since then, ALAC has produced over 2,000 kilograms of lab-tested, nutritionally balanced feed pellets made from locally available materials such as ipil-ipil leaves and rice bran. These pellets are sold to cooperative members at affordable prices and also help generate income for probationers engaged in the production process.
“Apayao’s wet climate limits open grazing, which makes pelletized feed essential for continuous meat production and livestock health,” Orus added. “With this innovation, we’re not only ensuring stable food supply for animals but also creating a reliable income stream for our community.”
The cooperative also hopes to increase its planting of ipil-ipil trees—an important protein source for the feed. Additional funding and technical assistance remain available through DOST’s Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNICOM) program and other allied government agencies.
Debbie Mananquil, DOST-Apayao’s provincial officer, confirmed their ongoing support. “We’re helping ALAC enhance its technology adoption and scale operations. They can still access innovation enhancement grants and form stronger market connections as they push toward their monthly production goals.”
In line with the DOST’s broader call for local communities to adopt and commercialize government-funded technologies, ALAC’s initiative is becoming a model for community-led agribusiness innovation in Northern Luzon.