Negrenses now have a new one-stop shop for a variety of carabao’s milk products with the opening of Dairy Box at Satellite Market Barangay I in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on April 18, 2024.
Senator Mark Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, served as the esteemed guest of the program. He led the blessing and inauguration ceremony together with Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez. They were also joined by DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (PCC at LCSF) Center Director Eva Alvarez, DA Regional Office VI RTD for Operations and Extension Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana.
The Dairy Box serves as the first one-stop store for carabao dairy products in Negros Occidental Province.
Senator Villar praised the City Mayor and LGU for their innovative initiatives, stressing the Dairy Box’s positive influence on the local community.
He shared his early experiences with fresh carabao’s milk and its nutritional benefits for children, saying, “Fresh milk makes a real difference.”
Moreover, Senator Villar highlighted the Dairy Box’s purpose and benefits for the Victorias City community and Negros Occidental Province.
“The Dairy Box will serve as a support infrastructure for processing and marketing carabao milk products. We look forward to this becoming additional income for our carabao farmers, as it will be a one-stop shop for various products like flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, and more,” he stated.
Mayor Benitez named the event the “Great Victorias Carabao Moo-vement (Movement),” not just to launch facilities, but to establish a foundation for future prosperity in the city.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are symbols of hope. They reflect our commitment to nurturing our land, our animals, and most importantly, our people,” he expressed.
Mayor Javi emphasized the transformative impact of fresh carabao’s milk on children’s growth and its potential to combat malnutrition.
San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFMPC) will serve as the LGU’s partner in managing and operating the Dairy Box.
The ceremony included a symbolic milk toast to signify unity and commitment to present and future collaborations.
The Dairy Box is part of the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) or ALAB Karbawan project funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar.
Dairy Box-Victorias City offers a range of carabao’s milk-based products, including pasteurized milk, flavored milk, yogurt, milk gelo, ice cream, kesong puti, cookies, pastillas de leche, dulce de leche, and dulce gatas.
Also present during the ceremony were Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, city councilors, barangay leaders, Victorias City vet, department heads, and other DA-PCC employees.
