03/08/2026
DA-PCC expands read-along campaign, reaches young learners in La Carlota City
The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) expanded the reach of its “Read-Along Campaign: The Adventures of KalaGirl and KalaBoy” by bringing the initiative to La Carlota City, Negros Occidental for the first time, engaging 100 young learners in storytelling sessions that promoted literacy, nutrition, healthy living, and appreciation for the local dairy industry.
The activity, held on July 29 at the Villa Caridad Covered Court in Barangay III, Poblacion, gathered 50 daycare learners with their guardians and 50 elementary pupils from Grades 3 to 6. It was conducted in partnership with the DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (DA-PCC at LCSF), the Local Government Unit of La Carlota, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Negros Occidental, and the Schools Division Office (SDO) of La Carlota.
The initiative also marked DA-PCC’s first partnership with a City Social Welfare and Development Office for the campaign.
Angie Gelongo, head of the CSWDO, welcomed the participants and guests, thanking DA-PCC for bringing the campaign to La Carlota City. She also encouraged the learners to make the most of the day's activities.
La Carlota City Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni likewise expressed the LGU's support for the initiative, describing it as a meaningful collaboration that promotes children's health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Representing DSWD-Negros Occidental, Khaye Antipatia, Project Development Officer II, highlighted the agency's continuing partnership with DA-PCC since 2025 and shared that the Milk Feeding Program (MFP) has already benefited more than 20,000 children across the province.
Furthermore, Citrobelle Aldeguer, education program supervisor in English of the SDO La Carlota, also thanked the organizers for giving the city's learners the opportunity to participate in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Eva R. Alvarez, DA-PCC at LCSF center director, presented the agency's programs and services, reaffirming DA-PCC's mission of serving communities through carabao-based enterprise development and dairy initiatives. Certificates of appreciation were then awarded to partner agencies and individuals, led by Keziah L. Jamison, DA-PCC at LCSF milk feeding focal.
The program's highlight was , a read-along session featuring The Adventures of KalaGirl and KalaBoy, facilitated by Louie Jee C. Huelar, regional knowledge manager of DA-PCC at LCSF. Through the story, children learned about the importance of milk consumption, healthy living, and carabao development efforts.
Complementing the storytelling session was , which featured a ceremonial milk toast led by George D. Yleana, general manager of the San Julio ARB Cooperative, as part of the MFP.
To reinforce the day's lessons, participants also took part in , where daycare learners completed puzzle activities while elementary pupils showcased their creativity through poster and slogan making.
The event concluded with the distribution of tokens, including The Adventures of KalaGirl and KalaBoy storybooks, crayons, stickers, pins, notebooks, and loot bags.
The Read-Along Campaign reflects DA-PCC's continuing efforts to promote the Carabao Development Program through innovative communication initiatives that combine literacy, nutrition education, and interactive learning, helping cultivate appreciation for the dairy industry among Filipino children at an early age.
(text by: Vladymir Manganan)
(photos by: PCC KMD-ACS team)