The National Dairy Authority (NDA) aims to boost the country’s milk output to 80 million liters by 2028, representing less than 1 percent of the country’s demand of 2.143 million metric tons.
NDA administrator Gabriel Lagamayo said increasing milk output 2.5 times over the next five years would require a dramatic increase in the number of animals in the milking line.
He said this would enhance local productivity, expand distribution network and create additional dairy-related infrastructures and promote the consumption of local milk and dairy products.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel welcomed NDA’s suggestions and expressed full support for the dairy agency’s plans.
He noted the positive impact of developments in the dairy industry, describing it as “a low-hanging fruit” in government’s goal of boosting agriculture’s contribution to the broader economy and in improving the lives of millions who depend on sector.
“If we increase the number of cattle in the milking-line, then we can increase production. Immediate effects will be felt. Developments in this sector will not only benefit our farmers but also help address malnutrition in the provinces,” Tiu Laurel said.
Lagamayo cited the role of the DA in advancing the industry.
“We appreciate Secretary Tiu Laurel’s suggestions and sound insights. Given his extensive experience in industry development, we believe he can successfully apply similar concepts to enhance our local dairy sector,” he said.
Pending the release of the national data for milk production from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), NDA records showed that cattle production in 2023 reached 17,850 metric tons, accounting for about 0.8 percent of total milk consumption of 1.937 million metric tons.
This represented an increase of 1,372 metric tons from 2022. The NDA said it was expecting demand for milk to reach 1.978 million metric tons in 2024.
“Based on these figures, we should advocate for greater investment in dairy cows which are the primary milk producers,” Lagamayo said.
Data also showed that the country’s milking herd expanded 45 percent to 75,798 in 2023 from 52,188 in 2018.