Author: Ma. Cecilia Irang-Mariano

Thousands upon thousands of transformed lives—this being the life’s mission of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and evidently its banner achievement as it sustains support to dairy cooperatives participating in the National Milk Feeding Program.

“It’s not about the DA-PCC but the effects that we aim to create alongside our accountability partners. Our goal is to help curb the nutritional deficiencies of children and at the same time create livelihood opportunities for farmers through this program, led by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad said.

The DA-PCC “flexes” significant achievements of the said program, positively impacting millions of undernourished children nationwide and concurrently boosting the income of farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), collectively generating a total revenue of PHP2.7 billion.

Said initiative, in line with Republic Act No. 11037 or the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act of 2018,” showcases the successful collaboration of the DA-PCC, partner-FCAs, the DepEd, the DSWD, and the provincial and local government units.

The program plays a significant role in creating institutional markets that significantly enhance the livelihoods and incomes of FCAs. This initiative has not only addressed the immediate nutritional needs of children but has also paved the way for a more robust dairy industry.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, the number of participating FCAs has grown from 30 to 45 under the DepEd School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP). These FCAs supplied over 112 million milk packs to 1,981,396 beneficiaries in SY 2019-2020; 3,114,948 in SY 2020-2021; 3,503,732 in SY 2021-2022; 3,446,217 in 2022-2023; and 2,054,873 in SY 2023-2024, generating a gross income of PHP2.2 billion. Similarly, under the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program, the number of active FCAs increased from 8 to 28, delivering over 25 million milk packs to 177,180 beneficiaries during the 10th cycle; 240,502 during the 11th cycle; 283,254 during the 12th cycle; and 157,968 during the 13th cycle, with a gross income of PHP500 million.

The milk feeding program has also created more than 130,000 jobs, including roles in family enterprises, multiplier farms, milk collection, and other segments in the dairy value chain.

Rolly Mateo Sr., chairperson of Bantog Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative (BSNMPC), Janice Domingo of Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabao Cooperatives (NEFEDCCO), and Analyn Tade, chairperson of the Rosario Dairy Farmers Cooperative corroborated these reports and shared their respective testimonies and success stories regarding the program.
“Being one of the cooperatives chosen to produce milk products for the program, we were able to hire more than 100 people to work at our processing plant. We somehow helped minimize the number of unemployment caused by the pandemic. Also, part of our earnings gained from the program was used to fund community pantries during the pandemic and medical mission. We are grateful that we were given the opportunity to be part of the Milk Feeding Program’s materialization,” Matteo attested.

Domingo proudly shared that the Milk Feeding Program had helped their federation’s assets increase from PHP8 million in 2018 to PHP28 million in 2021. It even provided jobs to 200 people in their community and with the income they earned, they were able to renovate their office to a three-story building. She also admitted that the program helped them bounce back as they were ensnared in financial distress before they ventured into the feeding program.

Tade noted that the milk feeding program significantly benefitted their cooperative, as reflected in their net surplus of PHP3,651,608 in 2021 and PHP6,218,132 in 2022. The income enabled the co-op to purchase land, part of which was used to build the Elyu Dairy Box—a one-stop-shop for carabao-based products.

To further extend the program’s impact, especially in remote areas where delivering fresh milk is challenging, the DA-PCC and FCAs have turned to retort facilities. These facilities, located in Isabela, Science City of Muñoz, Batangas, and Sorsogon, ensure the safety and quality of milk but also allow for bulk transportation to regions where frequent deliveries are impractical.

These success stories are just a few examples of the positive outcomes of the Milk Feeding Program. They serve as tangible evidence of the program’s intended benefits, which are worth “flexing” and sustaining.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), in collaboration with its assisted farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), has made food safety a top priority to ensure that every drop of milk supplied to children across the country meets the required standards.

Based on consumer welfare and protection, the DA-PCC’s strategy focuses on enhancing carabao-based products by adhering to the requirements of regulatory agencies. These include compliance with the following standards: DA and Department of Health AO No. 2015-007, Republic Act No. 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013), Philippine National Standard/Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) 36:2008 for Fresh Milk Specification, National Dairy Authority (NDA) Administrative Circular No. 04 on Dairy Safety Regulations, and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2022-012 on Revised Guidelines for the Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Processed Foods.

Along this line, the DA-PCC aggressively embarked on initiatives to fulfill the purpose through massive information dissemination and capability building for dairy carabao FCAs.

Each FCA underwent rigorous training in quality testing and food safety to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the safety and quality of their milk products.

Among the capability building activities the FCAs participated in included a Food Safety and Hygiene Academy of the Philippines (FoodSHAP®) accredited training for: (1) Basic Food Safety for Food Handlers (2) Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Principles and Practice (3) Food Safety Compliance Officer. They also participated in a series of Business Talk on Food Safety with the theme “Sa Quality Food Safety ang Priority”.

To further guarantee compliance, the DA-PCC has certified food safety compliance officers who strictly monitor the activities of these FCAs and ensure that all food safety specifications are met, from the production and handling of milk to its final distribution.

The milk supplied to the feeding program undergoes thorough inspections—from the milking process on the farm to the packaging stage to the distribution to drop-off points—to ensure that the milk provided is safe and nutritious for children. This attention to detail ensures that the feeding program not only supports the nutritional needs of children but also upholds the reputation of local dairy products and producers.

According to the terms and conditions outlined in the operating memorandum of agreement, an inspection and acceptance report, a delivery sanitation checklist, and certificates of completion, quality assurance, and analysis are issued upon the delivery of milk products. Consequently, 100% of the products accepted by the authorized inspectors have met the required standards and were approved for distribution.

In the same way, safety officers, dairy personnel, and compliance officers are consistently provided with proper training to ensure that farmers are ably assisted. They are also regularly monitored to ensure that the risk management plan is implemented and food safety regulations on safe food production and proper postharvest handling are strictly adhered to.

“The DA-PCC and FCAs work together to promptly address and resolve any operational challenges that may arise. We have 12 PCC regional centers nationwide who have very close relations with the FCAs involved in the program,” DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad said.

Among other interventions, the DA-PCC prepared a scalable and efficient risk management plan as a dairy safety regulation, and assisted FCAs to secure a License to Operate (LTO) from NDA.

The DA-PCC also assisted FCAs in securing accreditation to operate as a Civil Society Organization. This enables its assisted FCAs to become active partners in the LGU’s plans and programs. Currently, there are 43 CSO accredited cooperatives nationwide, 13 NDA-LTO accredited, 46 FDA-LTO accredited and are participating in the milk feeding program, and 47 PhilGEPS certified.

This widespread accreditation reflects the robust framework established by DA-PCC to ensure that cooperatives are not only compliant with food safety standards but are also well-positioned to contribute to the country’s nutrition goals. Over the years, these efforts have led to significant achievements under Republic Act No. 11037, also known as the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act of 2018,” which aims to address hunger and malnutrition among Filipino children.

Through partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DA-PCC has facilitated the delivery of fresh carabao’s milk and milk-based products to millions of children nationwide. The impact of these programs is evident in the numbers:
Since the program’s inception in 2019, the number of participating FCAs has grown from 30 to 45 under the DepEd School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP). These FCAs supplied over 112 million milk packs to 1,981,396 beneficiaries in SY 2019-2020; 3,114,948 in SY 2020-2021; 3,503,732 in SY 2021-2022; 3,446,217 in 2022-2023; and 2,054,873 in SY 2023-2024, generating a gross income of PHP2.2 billion. Similarly, under the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program, the number of active FCAs increased from 8 to 28, delivering over 25 million milk packs to 177,180 beneficiaries during the 10th cycle; 240,502 during the 11th cycle; 283,254 during the 12th cycle; and 157,968 during the 13th cycle, with a gross income of PHP500 million.

These figures highlight not only the program’s success in improving child nutrition but also its role in creating a sustainable market for dairy cooperatives. The total revenue generated through these feeding programs amounts to PHP2.7 billion—a significant boost to the livelihoods of small-holder farmers and a testament to the program’s impact in rural communities.

The milk feeding program has also created more than 130,000 jobs, including roles in family enterprises, multiplier farms, milk collection, and other segments in the dairy value chain.

Over the years, the FCAs involved have benefited from a stable market, leading to improved livelihood opportunities for local dairy farmers, their communities, and the broader industry. The increased income has enabled FCAs to invest in the expansion of their processing facilities, the procurement of raw materials for pasteurized milk production, the purchase of packaging and labeling materials, and the acquisition of vehicles for logistics—a manifestation of their committed participation in the program.

The DA-PCC was also able to embark on the establishment of milk laboratories within its 12 regional centers nationwide within the year, offering cooperative members access to milk quality testing services. These initiatives are made possible through a locally funded project spearheaded by Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform.

To provide children the essential nutrition for their growth and well-being, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) has distributed sterilized milk to 4,251 undernourished pupils across 174 public schools in Abra.

“We are pleased to supply the milk sets for Abra. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts directly contribute to the health and development of the children here,” Melinda Galacgac, DA-PCC at Mariano Marcos State University’s (DA-PCC at MMSU) science research analyst, said.

Provincial School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) focal person Estrelita Seares cited that this feeding program ensures that every child will receive the necessary nourishment to support their academic performance and overall health.

The sterilized milk, supplied and distributed by the Licaong Agriculture Cooperative (LAC) in Nueva Ecija and the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives in Ilocos Norte, began distribution on August 16, 2024. The program will run for 38 days, delivering a total of 161,538 milk sets to the pupils.

The DepEd-funded SBFP was first introduced in 2019 in support of Republic Act No. 11037. Since then, it has been catering undernourished children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 enrolled in public elementary schools. The agency recorded a total of 757,711 beneficiaries nationwide in 2023.

An innovative capacity-building program on drone utilization for forage production is a new way forward in the partnership between the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

This innovative project that will start in 2025 until 2027 aims to capacitate DA-PCC technical staff and partner local government units to improve forage production using drone technologies for sustainable food sources and livestock nutrition.

During the planning and consultation on August 18 to 21, 2024 held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, the DA-PCC and KOICA laid out comprehensive plans and policies to guide the implementation of the technology.

The implementation survey will collect necessary documents and data for the implementation plan to be submitted to KOICA Headquarters. Data will be gathered from the forage areas of the National Gene Pool and Bull Farm of DA-PCC at CLSU for institutional farms and ACDI Forage Farm and Moises Alfonso Forage Farm for clients.

The first year and second year will cover training on legal and institutional systems, policy trends, international challenges, and practical training for technical staff. Wrap-up learning events will be implemented during the third year. A manual will be developed to guide the production systems while data field monitoring will be conducted for effective resource management.

The DA-PCC’s Livestock Engineering Section (LES) and Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS) will lead the project implementation.

The KOICA implementation survey team consists of Prof. Chang Jaeyun, director of Chungbok International Development Cooperation Center; Prof. Park Chang Woo, assistant professor from Cheongju University; and Prof. Choi Seong Ho, dean of Agriculture, Life, and Sciences at Chungbuk National University.

The activity was spearheaded by DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad and DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro Salces.

Agri-Agra na Reporma para sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Movement (AGRI Party-List) representative Cong. Wilbert T. Lee strongly lobbies for an increased budget for the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) during a recent budget briefing of the House Committee on Appropriations.

According to Rep. Lee, DA-PCC was allotted PHP89 million for the research and development of the National Carabao Development Program and PHP274 million for the Dairy Herd Buildup Project (DHBP).

By promoting the local dairy industry, the Bicolano lawmaker argued the need for stronger support on research and innovation in both carabao and cattle to improve dairy practices and production.

“Napakalayo pa ng ating bansa sa pagkamit ng milk sufficiency. Kaya dapat maging kayod-kalabaw din ang gobyerno sa pagsuporta sa mga ahensya para mapaunlad ang local dairy industry at hindi tayo laging dependent sa importation,” he said. He added, “We deserve better and it is our right to demand better services and demand more opportunities in our country.”

This year, DA-PCC received a PHP787 million budget from the Department of Budget and Management. The center’s prioritized programs include the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network, PL480 Intensified Community-based Dairy Enterprise Development, and the Dairy Herd Buildup of Genetically Improved Dairy Buffaloes, which aims to purchase breeding animals for institutional and cooperative farms, boosting local dairy stock and milk production.

Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Scientist IV and chairperson of the Technical Working Group for the Formulation of the Regulatory Policy for Genetically Modified Animals and Animal By-Products, and concurrent officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center, presented the drafting process “Joint Department Circular on GM Animals and By-Products” on August 14, 2024. The presentation took place during a workshop on the sidelines of the APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology (HLPDAB) in Trujillo, Peru.

The APEC HLPDAB serves as a platform for APEC economies to discuss and ensure the safety of agricultural biotechnology, communicate the benefits of these products to the public, and promote economic growth by facilitating the introduction of safe technologies within APEC economies.

Dr. Mingala was joined by the Philippine delegation comprising members from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) earned 2nd Best Technology Poster for the Buro Booster Silage Inoculant (BBSI) technology during the National Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga today.

The event is a major activity of the DOST PCAARRD-funded project under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation Systems Enhancement (RAISE) Program titled “Project 1D: Enhancing the Intellectual Property Technology Business Management Office at the DA-PCC”.

Buro Booster was developed in 2020 by the DA-PCC’s Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS) team including Reynald Amido, Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Charity Castillo, and Mary Rose Uy-De Guia to feed ruminants quality silage. The inoculant is an additive to corn, sorghum, and grass silage, and contains lactic acid bacteria, which improves silage quality and minimizes spoilage.

The technology poster is an output of Zadieshar Sanchez, chief of the DA-PCC’s Planning and Information Management Division (PIMD) after attending the Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (TPMS) under the DOST-PCAARRD RAISE program together with Xyran Alejandro. It was laid out by Donna Rolyn Salenga of PIMD.

AIPF 2024 aimed to showcase the technological advancements and solutions in the agri-aqua and natural resources sector with the theme: “Transforming Ideas into Business Realities with Science and Technology.”
The said convention was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Association of Page Professionals (APP) and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU).

A new Dairy Box store has opened in Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, offering a convenient stop for tourists visiting the nearby Tinuy-an Falls, known as the country’s widest waterfall.

Strategically located just 8 km from the famous “white water curtain” falls, the Dairy Box provides tourists with the opportunity to purchase carabao-based products as “pasalubong” on their way home.

This one-stop-shop, which will be managed by the Bislig Community and Government Employee Cooperative (BCGEMCO), not only offers nutritious dairy delicacies but also provides livelihood opportunities for Bislig City’s residents.

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU), shared the project’s rationale during his opening remarks.

“The said facility was established as part of the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan project implemented by the DA-PCC and funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar,” shared Dr. Paraguas.
The Dairy Box is an infrastructure support for smallholder dairy farmers designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain access to the commercial market for greater income.

Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“We are thrilled to finally open our doors and share our passion for high-quality, locally sourced dairy products with the community. Our goal is to offer not just products but an experience that highlights the craftsmanship and care behind every item,” Dr. Salces said. He emphasized Dairy Box’s commitment to supporting local farmers and producers by ensuring that customers receive the freshest products while contributing to the local economy.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary samples of the store’s signature products, including the creamiest and fresh pasteurized carabao’s milk. This newly opened store offers a variety of milk-based products, including pastillas, fresh milk, white cheese, chocomilk, and mango- and ube-flavored milk drinks.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel showed his support for the project, noting that the province has allocated PHP500,000 for 2024 to support dairy farmers and Dairy Box operations.

“Dairy Box is a valuable addition to our province. It’s wonderful to see new businesses that support local agriculture and bring high-quality products to our residents. I fully support this initiative,” Rep. Pimentel affirmed.

The ceremony also featured the graduation of 17 farmer beneficiaries from the Farmer Livestock School on Dairy Buffalo Production (FLS-DBP). They received certificates along with two motorcycles, milk cans, milk processing and storage facilities, and 56 dairy buffaloes.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Provincial Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, representatives from Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, and BCGEMCO Chairperson Edgardo Ochavillo.

For more information about this new Dairy Box store and its product offerings, visit its Facebook Page: Dairy Box-Bislig City or stop by the store at Sayre Highway, Core 1, Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rolly Mateo Sr., a farmer from Asingan, Pangasinan, earned PHP4 million in 2023 from his silage business, producing 609 tons of high-quality feed for carabaos.

Silage is a feedstuff produced by fermenting forage with a high moisture content (65%–70%). Silage has many advantages, including the preservation of nutrients and being less water-dependent. Some of the forages that can be processed for silage are corn, sorghum, and Napier grass.

Mateo Sr. started processing corn silage after he was trained by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU).

Recognizing the benefits of silage, Mateo Sr. started making corn silage for his carabaos.

In 2015, Mateo Sr. expanded his production and started commercializing corn silage. He began selling it at PHP3.75 per kilo, and prices now are PHP6 and PHP8 per kilo for distant areas, with one sack equating to 40 kilos. The quality of his silage drew clients from Batangas, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon.

His success extends beyond his business because he helps fellow farmers in his community.

Since the required production per week covers 3-5 hectares, he had to ensure a steady corn supply so he gave corn seeds to willing local farmers.

“Binibigyan ko ng buto ng mais ang ilan sa mga kabarangay ko dahil wala rin akong malaking lupa. Kapag naani na, babayaran ko sila ng PHP100,000-PHP120,000. Malaki na iyon kumpara sa dati nilang kinikita na PHP70,000 kada ani,” Mateo Sr. shared.

He also employed 16 men to help him in his silage business and paid them PHP450 per day.

He reinvests his earnings into acquiring carabaos, now boasting a herd of around 100 head. Mateo Sr. used to work on someone else’s farm and was only taking home PHP5,000 every cropping season. In 2007, he was selected by DA-PCC at DMMMSU to be a recipient of a pregnant dairy carabao that changed the course of his life.

It was in 2019 when his dairy revenue peaked substantially until 2021, owing to daily sales of 40 to 50 liters of milk. His gross monthly income exceeded PHP100,000.

“Nakita ko na malaki pala ang silbi ng pagbuburo ng mais lalo na sa panahon ng tagtuyot, at kung tayo’y nakapag-imbak ng buro, mais man o kahit anong forage na pwedeng iburo, mayroon tayong ipapakain,” he shared.

Why should corn silage be a top choice for dairy farmers?
One of the most important practices in dairy buffalo management is the provision of sufficient and nutritious feedstuffs. However, feed resources are a challenge for farmers, especially during the summer season.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defined silage-making as one method of conserving animal feed when there is less feed available. Silage making keeps forage in good condition without lessening the nutritional value, provides high-quality feed during the dry period, and increases the palatability and digestibility of fodder crops,
among others.

To help dairy farmers address the problem of feeding, DA-PCC, through its Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), is implementing training in the different regions of the country to introduce the benefits of silage. When it comes to choosing feed options for livestock, corn silage is a good choice.

The PSNS encouraged farmers why it’s an essential supplementary feed. Corn silage has high energy content because it is rich in starch which converts into soluble sugars during the fermentation period. Another benefit is its excellent fiber content that provides a good balance of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) that is more digestible compared to other kinds of silage. It is also highly palatable to ruminants. Its moisture keeps the rumen hydrated and stimulates the animals’ chewing activity. With regard to concerns about feed shortages, silage in general can be stored for extended periods without losing its nutritional value.

By incorporating corn silage in buffalo management, farmers can enhance the health and productivity of their livestock.