The Sarangani provincial government expressed confidence in attaining a milk-sufficient province as it will seize opportunities in the livestock industry with the synergetic partnership among the private sector and government agencies in mainstreaming livestock services through the creation of the Sarangani Dairy Industry Council.
After a series of discussions, planning, and assessments since 2023, the province has committed to enhancing collaborative efforts through the institutionalization of the council on June 7, 2024. This council bridges the partnership between dairy farmer groups and various government agencies, including the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), Department of Agriculture XII (DA-XII), DA-National Dairy Authority (DA-NDA) – Southern Mindanao, DA-Agricultural Training Institute XII (DA-ATI-XII), DA-Philippine Carabao Center at USM (DA-PCC at USM), Department of Science and Technology XII (DOST XII), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI XII).
Aside from launching the council, the provincial government also crafted a memorandum of agreement for inter-agency convergence to institutionalize support for the implementation of the provincial commodity investment plan, formulated a three-year plan, and recommended policies about the livestock industry to underscore constraints such as accelerating herd buildup for milk production, increasing productivity and profitability of dairy-based enterprises to ensure increased income of farmers, and ensuring availability of safe and quality milk products from genetically improved cow, goat, and carabao.
During the council’s launch, DA-PCC at USM outlined programs, plans, and activities aimed at boosting the livestock industry in Sarangani. The focus was on technology transfer, research and development, and community engagement, all contributing to the long-term growth of carapreneurship in the province.
Moreover, Melecio Obungen, Chairperson of Pangi Multi-Purpose Cooperative (a DA-PCC at USM conduit cooperative), shared insights into buffalo dairying and its pivotal role in the community’s school-based feeding program. By integrating dairy farming into this initiative,
PAMULCO not only enhances local agricultural practices but also contributes to the nutrition and well-being of schoolchildren.
The initiative has received positive feedback from dairy farmers, who see it as a step towards prioritizing their dairy endeavors in the province.
“With the establishment of this council, we can strengthen the support of NGAs focusing on livestock commodities. As dairy goat raisers, we are expecting that this council will be responsive in implementing development plans and policies that have a far-reaching impact in our locality,” said General Manager Rodolfo Dela Torre Jr of Sta. Cruz Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Maasim, Sarangani and recently elected chairperson of Sarangani Dairy Industry Council.
“Through concerted efforts and cooperation between various stakeholders, we are going to unlock the full potential of our dairy and meat industries. By capitalizing on the strengths of both the private and public sectors, we hope to not only meet its province’s milk demand but also to alleviate poverty and malnutrition in the province,” said DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok.
