The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (DA-PCC at MLPC) led the soft opening of the Dairy Box on April 1, 2024. This marks the inauguration of the first-ever outlet dedicated to locally produced dairy products in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), Ipil Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICMC), and Local Government Unit of Ipil (LGU-Ipil) have made this venture possible.
Masdi A. Hasim, chairperson of the ICMC, expressed gratitude to local government officials for their support in providing the necessary land for the construction of Dairy Box. He emphasized the collective effort involved and acknowledged the contributions of different national agencies.
DA-PCC at MLPC Center Director Dr. Cecelio C. Velez, during the program, elaborated on the project’s rationale and highlighted its potential to boost farmers’ incomes significantly. The local government provided manpower for the outlet’s operations, building, and land, while the DA-PCC at MLPC provided dairy buffaloes, equipment, and structural enhancements to align with the Dairy Box’s design.
The Dairy Box serves as a platform for smallholder farmers to sell their products and improve their incomes. Charry de Tomas, Officer-in-charge of ICMC, will oversee outlet management, which offers a range of locally produced products such as flavored milk, fresh milk, soft serve ice cream, baked goods, and other nutritious products.
Other attendees at the event included, Jennifer A. Pidor, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zamboanga Sibugay provincial S&T director; Rodolfo Mabalot from the Department of Trade and Industry IX (DTI), Jessie G. Patcho, PCA senior agriculturist; Nursalim L. Simpal, CDA Cooperative Development Specialist II; Serafin A. Ramos, SB Chairperson on Cooperative; Catherine M. Toralba of Sangguniang Bayan, ICMC Board of Directors and members and DA-PCC staff.
This initiative is part of the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP), funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar. The project’s overarching goal is to augment farmers’ incomes, provide employment opportunities for local dairy farmers and cooperatives, and bolster the region’s dairy industry.
The launch of the fourth Dairy Box in the region, which promises a better future for local dairy farmers and communities, is welcomed by Ipil as a step toward sustainable agricultural development and economic prosperity.
