Isabela execs, NDA discuss dairy value chain program to boost local industry

Governor Rodito T. Albano and Vice Governor Kiko Dy met on April 8 with National Dairy Authority (NDA) Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya to discuss the NDA’s dairy value chain program aimed at strengthening the local dairy industry.

During the meeting, they tackled key initiatives, including the establishment of a stock farm that can accommodate up to 150 dairy cattle, which will serve as a breeding, development, and acclimatization hub for imported dairy cattle.

Admin. Andaya said that once the imported cattle are fully adapted to local climate and conditions, they will be transferred to Dairy Multiplier Farms and later distributed to smallholder farmers. This process is designed to ensure higher survival rates and improved milk yield.

He noted that the NDA’s dairy value chain is expected to expand the province’s dairy herd, increase local milk production, and improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers.

Gov. Rodito also shared with Admin. Andaya the province’s ongoing milk feeding program, implemented in partnership with private companies since 2020, which serves children aged 2 to 12 years old, as well as lactating mothers and pregnant women.

The officials also inspected dairy farms in the municipalities of Mallig and San Pablo, as well as a dairy farm currently under construction in the municipality of Cabagan. – Isabela PIO