The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) unboxed a wider scale of dairy business opportunities in the Davao region as two new Dairy Boxes were opened in Cateel, Davao Oriental, and Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental on March 12 and March 15, respectively.
The Dairy Boxes, designed to offer tourists and local customers products made from fresh carabao’s milk, will be managed by the Taytayan Irrigators Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (TIFACO) in Cateel and the United CARP Beneficiaries Association Incorporated Multipurpose Cooperative (UNICARBAI) in Sta. Maria. These facilities are part of the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB Karbawan) project, funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, chaired by Senator Cynthia A. Villar.
“Mahalagang mapataas natin ang local milk production upang maging abot-kamay ng ating mga kabataan ang masustansyang gatas. Ang Dairy Box ay isang kapaki-pakinabang na daan upang maipaabot sa mga tao ang locally produced dairy products mula sa mga local farmers,” in a video message, Senator Villar emphasized these areas of priorities for the country’s dairy industry.
According to TIFACO Chairperson Joenil Madani, they will actively collaborate not only with DA-PCC at USM but also with other agencies as they see the advantages resulting from this cooperation.
“The TIFACO will tap the DSWD, DTI, Municipal Agriculture Office, and other agencies for this project to prosper. This initiative will help the children and farmers of Taytayan,” Madani said.
DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad highlighted in her statement that the carabao products market has experienced significant growth due to collaborative efforts of local chief executives and various government agencies. She also affirmed that the Dairy Box initiative would provide an opportunity to boost income for dairy farmers and enhance their cooperatives’ revenue streams.
Moreover, DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok challenged the key players of the carabao upgrading program in the region to accelerate artificial insemination and bull services.
“Pag may buntis, may gatas! Lahat tayo ay may papel sa pagpaparami ng kalabaw. Husayan natin ang pagpaparami ng genetically improved dairy buffaloes para sa kapakanan ng ating mga magsasaka.” Director Atok said.
The Davao region will see the addition of two new Dairy Boxes to complement the three existing ones located in Matanao, Davao del Sur, Montevista, Davao de Oro, and the City of Mati, Davao Oriental.
