Dairy buffalo farmers in South Cotabato prepare for exciting opportunities in dairying with an assured market for their milk produce following the establishment of a marketing outlet in Surallah, South Cotabato.
During a groundbreaking ceremony held last July 8, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) Center Director Benjamin John C. Basilio emphasized the importance of the dairy hub as a venue to promote quality milk products in Region XII.
Said hub is the first-ever processing hub for buffalo’s milk in the region.
“With the establishment of this hub, we are gradually completing the carabao value-chain in South Cotabato. Buffalo’s milk for processing will be coming from the produce of carapreneurs from Banga, Lake Sebu, Sto. Niño, Surallah, T’boli and neighboring towns in South Cotabato,” Director Basilio said.
“We are expecting an increase in the demand for buffalo’s milk products following this milestone,” Loyda Estañol, a dairy farmer and member of CADAFA-Surallah, said.
Underscoring the DA’s slogan “Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, Department of Agriculture Region XII Director Arlan M. Mangelen expressed his staunch support to the project to help achieve the goal to produce more milk in the region and alleviate farmers from mere subsistence.
The construction of the Php3.6-million dairy hub is part of the Php10 million budget of the Carabao Value Chain Improvement Network (CVIN) for South Cotabato under the project Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup or ALAB-Karbawan initiated by Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food Senator Cynthia A. Villar.
