MANILA – The Philippine government has secured support from France to enhance the country’s dairy sector, targeting a milk production of approximately 80 million liters by 2028 through the Philippine Dairy Project.

The project is primarily implemented by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) National Dairy Authority (NDA).

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was recently signed between the NDA and France-based Phylum SARL, a company specializing in food, animal health, and welfare, to conduct a feasibility study for the project. The MOU was signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., representing the NDA, and Phylum SARL Managing Partner Francois Gary.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and for Official Development Assistance Jerome V. Oliveros, and NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya witnessed the signing ceremony.

“The NDA welcomes international collaborations and private sector investments to improve the country’s local dairy industry,” Secretary Laurel Jr. said.

The DA stated that the feasibility study would be funded through a grant from the French government’s Fonds d’Etudes et d’Aide au Secteur Privé.

Needed boost

“The study will assess whether the project qualifies for a concessional loan from the French government. The Philippine Dairy Project envisions establishing a modern dairy farm in Ubay, Bohol, with the capacity to care for more than 300 cows for milk production,” the department shared.

It added, “The dairy farm will have a facility capable of processing up to 10 metric tons of raw milk daily. The dairy project also includes collaboration with local cooperatives for milk and fodder production, along with capacity-building efforts to improve training and advisory services.”

The project would also facilitate the establishment of milk collection centers and milk processing facilities in select areas nationwide.

Based on government data, the Philippines’ milk sufficiency rate is only 1.66 percent. According to the DA, the goal is to reach five percent, or 80 million liters of milk, by 2028.

“The country’s average milk production per cow remains low at eight liters per day, hindered by poor feed and management practices, high production costs, and insufficient dairy infrastructure,” the DA said.

“Dairy sector is a sunrise industry”

Secretary Laurel Jr. has underscored that the Philippine dairy sector is a sunrise industry.

“We are seeing the increased involvement of major investors and international players, signaling the incredible potential before us. Let us harness the momentum and capitalize on the opportunities that are opening up, not just for the benefit of our businesses, but for the future of Philippine agriculture,” he said.

The DA chief cited Western Visayas, which he described as demonstrating “impressive production” of 2.2 million liters of milk and 10,615 dairy animals. He said this could be a “model of what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal.”

He emphasized, “Our efforts will not cease until you see a thriving dairy industry in every province of Western Visayas. The progress of our farmers is the ultimate measure of our success.”

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