By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. revealed the Provincial Government is planning to purchase buffaloes from Australia for dairy, meat, and crossbreeding with local carabaos.
In a chance interview yesterday morning, Marañon said he and the provincial delegation were able to taste buffalo meat during their official visit to Australia last week. The beef, according to him, is highly nutritious as it has less cholesterol and fat based on medical studies.
The governor also cited Australian buffaloes produce high yields of milk estimated at around 12 to 15 liters a day. Because the Australian buffalo is also bigger than the Philippine carabao, he added the local stock could be improved through selective breeding methods.
The price of a bull is P76,000 while pregnant females cost around P110,000 but Marañon did not mention how many he was eyeing for purchase.
Previously, the purchase of cows and sheep from Australia was criticized and subjected to court cases by critics of the Governor.
Meanwhile, Marañon said an Australian delegation will be coming to the Province to explore education and training of Filipino students who are willing to study and work in Australia, especially in the fields of cookery and health care.
“They will pay for their studies there in Australia depending on the courses and training but they will be assured of a job there,” he added./WDJ