National Dairy Summit 2024 in Iloilo tackles self-sufficiency and sustainability in milk production

The National Dairy Summit 2024, held in Iloilo City on October 28-30,2024, brought together over 400 stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities and address challenges in the Philippine dairy sector. This three-day event, the largest of its kind this year, aims to equip dairy farmers from various regions with the tools and knowledge necessary to boost milk production and promote sustainable practices.

The summit highlighted advancements in the dairy value chain, the national livestock program on dairy, and new technologies focused on enhancing cow comfort, animal nutrition, and sustainable farming methods. One of the key attractions was an exhibit showcasing dairy products, farm machinery, and essential farm inputs, providing attendees hands-on exposure to the latest in dairy technology. A primary goal discussed at the summit was to increase local milk production to achieve a 5% self-sufficiency target within the next three to five years.

Boosting domestic milk production is seen as crucial for enhancing dairy farmers’ incomes and reducing the country’s dependency on imported dairy products. The summit underscored sustainability by encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and effective waste management systems to ensure both economic and environmental benefits. Representing the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., DA National Livestock Program Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano expressed strong support for the summit’s attendees. In his address, Savellano highlighted ongoing legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the livestock industry, particularly for dairy farmers. “The Congress and Senate are currently working on the National Livestock Bill, which will bring significant benefits to all sectors of the livestock industry, including dairy farmers,” Savellano stated.

He added that the National Livestock Program (NLP) is actively seeking funding to support farm tourism, enhance nucleus farms, and improve livestock genetics through innovative technology. “I am pleased to see that we now have over 7,000 farmers’ associations and cooperatives. We are working closely with them to ensure they benefit from the various government interventions available,” Savellano noted. “Your DA is committed to delivering these programs and services to our communities,” he concluded, emphasizing the DA’s dedication to strengthening farmer support and fostering sector growth. The summit also emphasized the dairy sector’s role in addressing food security and combating malnutrition, particularly for children, through milk-feeding initiatives.

With stronger government policies backing the sector through training and financial aid, dairy farmers expressed optimism about the industry’s future. As part of the summit activities, participants visited the Orchard Valley in Pavia, Iloilo, where they gained practical insights into effective dairy farming models that can inspire innovation and improvements in their own practices. Western Visayas is emerging as a focal point for the country’s dairy aspirations, with local farmers set to benefit significantly from the strategies and insights shared at this event. ###(DA-RAFIS-6) Photos by V.Quimpo