Carabao production in Ilocos Region decreased by 13.1 percent

Carabao production in the Ilocos Region in fourth quarter 2024 was recorded at 1,878 metric tons, liveweight. This represents a 13.1 percent decrease from the 2,162 metric tons, liveweight output in the same period of 2023.

In fourth quarter of 2024, Ilocos Region placed 11th nationwide in terms of carabao production, accounting for 5.0 percent of the country's total output. The region's contribution was part of the national total of 37,569 metric tons, liveweight.

Pangasinan led the region in carabao production in the fourth quarter 2024, representing 52.3 percent of the total output or 1,878 metric tons, liveweight. This was followed by Ilocos Norte with 415 metric tons, contributing 22.1 percent to the regional total. Ilocos Sur came third with a share of 327 metric tons, representing 17.4 percent. La Union had the smallest share, with 154 metric tons or equivalent to 8.2 percent of the regional output.

Carabao population in Ilocos Region decreases as of 01 October 2024

As of 01 October 2024, the Ilocos Region had a total of 135,708 carabaos, representing a 4.6 percent decline from the 2023 inventory of 142,187 heads on the same date. Furthermore, the carabao inventory as of 01 January 2025, showed a 4.1 percent decrease compared to the count in same reference date in 2024.

Ilocos Sur recorded an increase of 9.3 percent in carabao population as of 01 October 2024. In contrast, the other provinces in the region experienced declines: Pangasinan with 17.8 percent, La Union with 3.2 percent, and Ilocos Norte with 1.5 percent. 

As of 01 January 2025, Ilocos Sur showed a 7.2 percent increase in carabao population. Meanwhile, the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and La Union declined by 18.2 percent, 1.1 percent, and 0.8 percent, respectively.

Farmgate Price

The average farmgate price of carabao for slaughter in fourth quarter 2024 was at PhP 205.00 per kilogram, liveweight. This went down by 6.8 percent from the average farmgate price of PhP 220.04 per kilogram, liveweight in fourth quarter 2023. 

The highest farmgate price recorded in fourth quarter 2024 was PhP 217.50 per kilogram, liveweight in November and December.

For the Regional Director:

SGD: CAMILLE CARLA U. BELTRAN
Chief Administrative Officer
(Officer-in-Charge)
Per SO No. RSSO I-2503-0158
Dated 17 March 2025