PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed that his administration will boost the country’s dairy industry, citing the vital role of milk and dairy products in the nutrition and health of young Filipinos.
However, he noted the challenges that the local dairy industry is facing.
“Isa na rito ang patuloy na pag-asa natin sa pag-aangkat ng dairy products mula sa ibang bansa. Dagdag pa rito ang epekto ng pabago-bagong klima [na] nagpapababa ng ating produksyon ng gatas,” Marcos said during the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk plant in San Simon, Pampanga Friday, October 3.
“Nangangailangan tayo ng mga bagong pasilidad upang maayos na makolekta [at maproseso ang] dairy products,” he added.
The new plant is expected to produce 32 million liters of pasteurized milk and more than 2.4 million liters of yogurt every year, according to Marcos.
Aside from boosting local dairy production, the President sees the new facility to generate opportunities for farmers.
This as he recognized the “consistent support” of the private sector.
“Through your efforts, more Filipino farmers, veterinarians can now have a more stable and dignified job,” the President said. “So, I hope you will continue to improve and expand your operations, while bringing greater opportunities to our communities.”
Marcos hopes to further improve the local dairy industry with the help of private sector.
The President said the administration is observing the Dairy Industry Development Program as mandated by Republic Act No. 7884.
He also vowed that his administration is now looking for ways to boost local production of dairy products and attract more investments in the country.
For her part, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque underscored the importance of boosting the local dairy industry in food security.
“It’s gonna be in three phases. First phase ngayon which is the pasteurization… Dito pa-pasteurize ‘yung milk so this is exciting for us kasi makaka–employ na naman ito ng mga tao and makakabigay ng additional food or additional products para sa ating mga kababayan,” she said in a chance interview before the event.
The DTI chief added that the plant is a product of P3-billion investment from Malaysia as a result of Marcos Jr.’s visit last May.
Roque hopes that the Philippine’s chairship of ASEAN next year will usher in more trade and investment for the country. (ABS-CBN News)
