An increase in local dairy stocks and milk production in Western Mindanao regions is anticipated after the turnover ceremony of newly constructed institutional herd facilities for the Dairy Herd Buildup Program (DHBP) on May 24, 2024, at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (DA-PCC at MLPC) in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.
The DHBP aims to revolutionize the local dairy industry, ushering in a new era of increased local dairy stocks and milk production. It is funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, under the dedicated leadership of Senator Cynthia A. Villar.
“It is by God’s grace that we had a systematic leader, and by God’s grace that He blessed us with the right construction company. This project is an icon of transformation to change the lives of the cooperatives that depend on us,” said Dr. Liza Battad, DA-PCC’s executive director.
The facility, with a total cost of PHP10,530,648.41, is capable of housing 300 crossbred animals. The animals purchased will be raised on the institutional farm. Artificial insemination will be used to produce offspring with a superior genetic makeup. The pregnant and bred animals will then be supplied to carabao raisers, mostly in Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) locations.
Aside from the construction of facilities, the program also involves pasture establishment to ensure a consistent supply of forages and composting for zero waste management.
The event was graced by Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC’s deputy executive director, Dr. Cecelio G. Velez, DA-PCC at MLPC center director, Raymond Taopa, proprietor of Altapil Construction and Supply, Engr. Rolando Maghanoy, a representative from the local government of Kalawit, DA-PCC staff, conduit cooperatives managers, members, and farmers.
