The Provincial Local Government of La Union and DA-PCC recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MOA) to firm up collaboration on carabao-based dairy development in the province, Rosario, La Union, August 25, 2023.
Said MOA signing was part of the relaunching of Dairy Box-La Union not only as a hub for carabao-based products but also of the other products of the province. This move is seen to expand the offerings of Elyu to its visitors as a famed tourist destination and Surfing Capital of the north.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David Gov. Rafy emphasized in her speech the value of bayanihan (cooperative endeavor) or which she calls “La Union PROBINSYAhan” to propel the province to achieve its dreams for its people.
“Hindi po iisang tao ang may pakana nito…kaya po kami [PCC, DTI, PGLU] nandito sama-sama ngayon because this is a joint effort, this is a collaboration and ito po yung bayanihan na gusto ko nga pong mangyari sa La Union na kung saan lahat po tayo ay tulong-tulong para maging posible po ang mga pangarap natin para sa bawa’t isa”, she said.
She added that love for oneself and for one another can make all things possible for the province, “kasi kung meron po tayong pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa, hindi po tayo magsasawang ibigay yung 100% po natin…para mapaganda pa po ang pamumuhay ng bawa’t isa sa atin.”
The MOA signing was led by DA-PCC OIC Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director Vilma C. Gagni, Rosario Dairy Farmers Cooperative (RDFC) Chairperson Annalyn L. Tade, and OIC Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Domingo Bobby C. Calub III.
Chairperson Tade, on behalf of the members of RDFC, said their gratitude to the PLGU and DA-PCC overflows for all the assistance their cooperative is receiving from the government. She also committed to sustain the operations of RDFC as a conduit to prospering the local dairy industry in La Union in order to help more farmers. She said that RDFC is one with the heart of the Governor on PROBINSIYAnihan saying, “hindi po competition, kundi collaboration”.
The Dairy Box is a one-stop-shop established as a market support facility for carabao-based dairy farmers.
After the relaunching and MOA signing, the group proceeded to Agoo Breeding Station in Nazareno, Agoo, La Union for the groundbreaking ceremony of the “Establishment of Carabao-Based Enterprise Develoment Dairy Farm”.
Dr. Salces underscored the benefits of the project, “It is like hitting two birds with one stone, gaganda yung nutrition ng mga bata and kikita din yung ating mga farmers.” With the support of the political leadership in the Elyu, he believes that there is no reason for the local dairy development program not to succeed.
Also present during the relaunching of the Dairy Box-La Union were Dr. Edwin Atabay, Head of Operations of PCC-NHQ, Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan of the DTI-RFO I, Provincial Director Merlie D. Membrere of the DTI-La Union, DA-PCC at DMMMSU staff and the officers and members of Aringay Dairy Raisers Association (ADCRA), Sudipen Dairy Farmers Association (SDFA), and RDFC.
