SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF RAISING VUHUS CATTLE IN THE ISLAND PROVINCE OF BATANES

Abstract

The Vuhus Cattle Raisers Association, Incorporated (VCRAI), as authorized by the local government, utilizes Vuhus island in Sabtang, Batanes as their cattle pasture. Vuhus cattle are raised in the range without any management intervention. The impacts of raising Vuhus cattle on the socio-economic lives of Ivatans were assessed by conducting a survey-interview with the members of VCRAI.  It was revealed that the respondents’ (n=39) household number ranges from 2-12 persons, and their majority household income is ≤Php20,000.00 per month.  Some are regularly employed either by the government or by private businesses.  Majority of the members have up to 4 shares of cattle (1 share = 2 heads of cattle). The animals are extracted from Vuhus island on a regular basis and distributed to the members, which are raised further for 2-3 years in Sabtang island before selling or slaughtering. Majority of the respondents are raising 1-6 heads of cattle in Sabtang despite experiencing challenges such as limited feed resources and water during summer. Only a few respondents give economic value to cattle production (23%), while most are reserving the animals for festivities, usually selling part of the carcass to buy cooking ingredients. Traditional slaughtering method in the field by singeing for a prolonged period is practiced, resulting in low meat quality. Beef is marketed as “pure lean” and “mixed”, without giving premium price on high-valued cuts, making the overall marketing and utilization inefficient. The establishment of acceptable cattle slaughtering and carcass fabrication procedure is recommended for greater economic return to the Ivatans while considering their customs and traditions.