The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) inaugurated the second Dairy Box in Nueva Ecija and the ninth in Region 3 during a turnover and blessing ceremony held on December 20, 2024.
The facility, located in Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, was turned over to the Catalanacan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAMPC).
In her welcome remarks, Estella Valiente, DA-PCC’s Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBIN) project focal person, highlighted that this marks the second Dairy Box in Muñoz. She expressed her gratitude for the collective efforts behind the project and congratulated CAMPC for the milestone.
Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU), assured continued support for CAMPC. He acknowledged the funding assistance provided by Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, which was crucial in bringing the project to fruition.
Dr. Jerry Rigos, city agriculturist of Muñoz, praised CAMPC for its resilience as the city’s last remaining cooperative. He emphasized the cooperative’s role as a model organization and pledged his ongoing support to its initiatives.
Meanwhile, DA-PCC Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad, underscored the purpose and vision behind the Dairy Box project.
“Building a Dairy Box is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is for it to remain profitable and contribute to increasing the income of CAMPC members and the 50 other Dairy Boxes nationwide. This cooperative has shown dedication and hard work, proving the power of trust and collaboration despite challenges,” she said.
Dr. Edwin Atabay, OIC Deputy Executive Director of DA-PCC, lauded the partnership between DA-PCC at CLSU and CAMPC, while extending gratitude to Dr. Battad and the DA-PCC engineering team for ensuring the project’s success.
A video message from Senator Villar’s office emphasized the Dairy Box’s critical role in improving farmers’ livelihoods by providing opportunities to market their dairy products.
Dr. Cyril Baltazar of the National Dairy Business Hub of DA-PCC, representing DA-PCC at CLSU, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the carabao industry and ensuring the Dairy Box’s successful operation.
CAMPC Chairperson Rudy Say expressed gratitude for the support from various agencies and vowed to effectively manage the Dairy Box.
“We are aware of the challenges, but we promise to give our best to make this project successful,” he said.
The Dairy Box initiative is part of DA-PCC’s efforts to strengthen the local dairy sector and improve the lives of smallholder farmers through sustainable enterprise development.