December 16, 2024
Philippines' firm and country's National Dairy Authority partner to strengthen local dairy industry
Philippines-based Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc (MPAV), the agribusiness subsidiary of tycoon Manuel V Pangilinan, is exploring a collaboration with the country's National Dairy Authority (NDA) to boost domestic milk production and reduce reliance on imported dairy products.
MPAV CEO Jovy Hernandez recently met with NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya to discuss potential partnerships aimed at improving the state of the local dairy sector. Hernandez emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are serious about working with the NDA to improve the state of our local dairy industry."
Hernandez also highlighted the need to raise public awareness about the nutritional benefits of milk, which could lead to increased demand for locally produced dairy products.
MPAV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), has already made substantial investments in the dairy sector. These include acquiring a majority stake in The Laguna Creamery Inc., the company behind Carmen's Best and Holly's Milk. In August, MPAV further expanded its dairy investments by acquiring Universal Harvester Dairy Farms Inc. in Bukidnon. Additionally, the company is developing a state-of-the-art dairy facility in Bay, Laguna, in partnership with Israel's LR Group, with a production capacity of six million litres of milk annually.
NDA Administrator Andaya praised MPAV's involvement, saying, "MPIC's entry into the dairy industry signals a positive shift. If a conglomerate of this scale is investing in dairy, it shows there's tremendous potential. With 99% of our milk still imported, there's a massive market opportunity."
Andaya emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving the goal of reducing the country's dependence on imported milk. He noted that partnerships with private sector entities, academic institutions, and international organisations would be crucial in helping the local dairy sector thrive.
Hernandez supported this sentiment, stressing that efforts from all dairy industry players, regardless of scale, would be key to reducing the country's reliance on imports.
The NDA has set a goal to increase the country's milk sufficiency ratio from 1.5% to 5% by 2028. Strategies to achieve this target include expanding the national dairy herd, improving milk yields, creating consumer demand, raising public awareness, and enhancing farmers' incomes.
To expand the national dairy herd, the NDA plans to establish stock farms where imported cattle will be acclimatised. The offspring of these cattle will then be distributed to multiplier farms and eventually to farmer beneficiaries.
The NDA is preparing to construct five stock farms in key locations across the country, including General Tinio in Nueva Ecija, Ubay in Bohol, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Carmen in Cotabato, and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur. These facilities aim to support the growth and sustainability of the local dairy industry.
- The Philippine Star
