Dairy industry gains boost through research farm support

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Representatives from the Quezon Provincial Government and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian visit the Nationa...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Representatives from the Quezon Provincial Government and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian visit the National Dairy Authority Stock Farm in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija as part of the province’s plans to strengthen dairy development programs and establish a multiplier farm in Calauag, Quezon. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – As the Philippines continues to rely heavily on imported milk products, Quezon province is expanding efforts to increase local milk production and support farmers in rural communities. Included in the initiative are research programs, dairy facilities, and demonstration farms aimed at reducing dependence on imported dairy products.

The province started strengthening its dairy program toward the end of 2024 after identifying opportunities for local milk production in Quezon. Local milk output still accounts for only a small share of the country’s overall supply, prompting continued efforts to improve domestic milk production.



Research and development activities are now being established under the Provincial Veterinarian Office, which is headed by Dr. Flomella Caguicla. Facilities for the dairy program are also being developed to support milk production, cattle distribution, and training activities for dairy farmers.

The program also includes demonstration farms where local farmers can learn improved dairy farming methods and livestock management practices. These activities are expected to help improve farm productivity, strengthen animal health management, and expand the province’s dairy industry.

In an interview, Governor Angelina Tan said the provincial government saw strong potential in dairy farming because of the country’s continued dependence on imported milk products. She added that Quezon is now working to strengthen its local dairy industry through research, facilities, and farm development programs.

“Nakikita natin ang oportunidad para sa Quezon sa dairy sector dahil malaki pa rin ang pagdepende ng bansa sa imported na produktong gatas,” Tan said. “Layunin nating palakasin ang lokal na produksyon sa pamamagitan ng research, mga pasilidad, at pagpapaunlad ng mga dairy farm.”

The provincial government continues to coordinate with the National Dairy Authority in implementing dairy-related programs and projects in Quezon province. Support from the agency includes cattle distribution assistance, technical guidance, and training activities for local dairy development.

Tan also said the province continues to work closely with the NDA because many farmers and communities still need support under the dairy program. She added that Quezon hopes to eventually help provide dairy cattle for farmers as the province further expands its dairy industry.

“Marami pang nangangailangan kaya mahalaga ang tulong at pakikipagtulungan natin sa NDA para mas mapalawak pa ang dairy program sa lalawigan,” Tan said. “Umaasa tayo na sa mga susunod na taon, kaya na rin nating makatulong sa pagbibigay ng mga dairy cattle para sa ating mga magsasaka.”

Earlier this year, the provincial government distributed milking machines, milk cans, veterinary medicines, forage choppers, grass cutters, and forage seeds to several dairy cooperatives and associations in the province. Beneficiaries included dairy groups in Sariaya, Lopez, Tayabas, and San Antonio that are involved in local milk production activities.

Quezon is also being considered for a dairy breeding farm project that will be developed in partnership with the NDA. Provincial representatives also visited an NDA stock farm in Nueva Ecija as part of plans to establish a multiplier farm in Calauag, Quezon.

By next year, the province hopes to begin contributing its own dairy cattle for distribution programs alongside the National Dairy Authority. Provincial leaders said the long-term goal is to help strengthen local milk production while creating additional livelihood opportunities for dairy farmers across Quezon.