MANILA, Philippines — The National Dairy Authority (NDA) has underscored the need to boost local production of the most nutritious drink needed by Filipino children, as the Philippines imports 99 percent of the country’s milk supply.
During his speech at the 28th anniversary of the NDA yesterday, administrator Gabriel Lagamayo admitted that only one percent of the country’s milk supply comes from local production. Lagamayo gave assurance that efforts are being made to boost local dairy production.
“Let us not be hampered by the one percent local milk production because it overshadows our collective efforts and big victories in the industry. I am proud to say that we have made significant strides in strengthening our milk production,” he said.
Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the total dairy animal population was only 44,432 heads, and the country’s local milk production was 20.39 million liters.
On the other hand, the volume of dairy imports was 1,793.29 thousand metric tons. The value of dairy imports was pegged at $694.51 million.
Lagamayo said the small percentage of local milk production should not dampen efforts of the NDA to improve the dairy sector.
“The backbone of the nation is agriculture. What else can strengthen the bones but milk. If we want to strengthen agriculture, we need to support dairy,” Lagamayo added. He vowed to promote climate resilient farming practices.
“We must also strive to improve the lives of our dairy farmers who are the backbone of this industry. They are the ones who work day in and day out to produce the milk that goes to our products. We must ensure that they are treated fairly. That they receive a fair price for their milk and they have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Lagamayo said.
He also vowed to increase the income of dairy farmers.
“If the income of our farmers will not increase and their lives will not be uplifted, then all our efforts will be in vain. The average age of our farmers is 57 to 59. The next generation of Filipinos do not see agriculture as profitable. We must strive to increase the profits of our farmers and standardize management to entice the next generation to go to dairy farming,” Lagamayo said.