The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), in coordination with the town government and Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, on Friday turned over livestock assistance to 30 beneficiaries in five villages here.

A total of 90 goats were given to the beneficiaries in simple ceremonies led by Dr. Belinda Gornez of the OPVet at the gymnasium of Barangay Noa.

The recipients came from the villages of Noa, Balite, Basak, Binay, and Doles – all once affected by the conflict between the government and the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

The livestock dispersal is in line with the “Animal Dispersal Program” earlier launched by Governor Nancy Catamco in the province.

Gornez said the program also intends to assist vulnerable sectors affected by the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Last month, the OPVet dispersed 220 livestock comprising cows, carabaos, and goats to 124 beneficiaries from Kidapawan City and the municipalities of Makilala, Arakan, and Magpet.

The beneficiaries of the program are victims of the recent earthquakes, the African swine fever infestation, and former rebels who surrendered under Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (PNA)