THE LOGIC OF LOCAL MILK PRODUCTION

THE LOGIC OF LOCAL MILK PRODUCTION

I am neither a dairy farmer nor a statistician, but common sense tells me that if we are importing 99% of our local milk demand, it must be good business to go into local milk production.

I am also not an economist, but I know enough to say that increasing local milk production is good for the economy. It would create jobs, support farmers, reduce dependence on imports, and most importantly, make milk more affordable for Filipino families.

Who Should Invest in Local Milk Production?

Billionaire businessmen like Ramon S. Ang and Manuel V. Pangilinan have already ventured into dairy farming. Given their success in various industries, why not convince the government to invest in their dairy operations? The same logic applies to the dozen or so small and medium-sized dairy companies in the country. If they are already producing milk despite limited resources, wouldn’t more investment help them scale up and reduce the 99% dependence on imported milk?

An Agricultural Country That Imports 99% of Its Milk?

Despite having agriculture as a key sector, we continue to import most of our milk. This makes milk expensive for everyone—especially for families with young children. The high cost of milk is a significant factor in child malnutrition in the country, contributing to both stunting (chronic malnutrition) and wasting (severe acute malnutrition).

The reality is alarming:

  • Stunting affects a child’s long-term growth and brain development.
  • Wasting is an immediate and life-threatening condition.
  • Both are preventable through better nutrition—starting with affordable and accessible milk.

How Many Milking Cows Do We Actually Have?

One of the biggest obstacles to local milk production is the limited number of dairy cows. The Philippine Statistics Authority does not explicitly state how many cows are actively producing milk, but rough estimates suggest around 20,000 milking cows nationwide. This number is far too low to meet the demand of a country with over 110 million people.

The National Dairy Authority, the Department of Agriculture, and private investors must work together to expand local dairy farming by:

1.   Providing incentives for dairy farmers to increase production.

2.   Expanding breeding programs to grow the milking cow population.

3.   Investing in modern dairy facilities to improve milk yield.

4.   Encouraging cooperatives to support small-scale farmers.

Who Are the Major Players in Local Dairy?

There are several local companies producing fresh milk, but their combined output is still minimal. Some of the key players include:

  • Magnolia Inc. (San Miguel Corporation)
  • Carmen’s Best
  • Alaska Milk Corporation
  • NestlĂ© Philippines
  • DVF Dairy Farm
  • Laguna Creamery, Inc.
  • Philippine Carabao Center Dairy Farm
  • Alaminos Dairy Cooperative
  • Bohol Dairy Cooperative

In 2022, the Philippines produced only 24.38 million liters of milk—a mere fraction of our total demand. If the government truly wants to promote food security, shouldn’t boosting local milk production be a top priority?

A Call for Action

We cannot continue to claim that we are an agricultural country while importing 99% of our milk. If we want to raise a healthier, smarter, and more productive generation, we must invest in local milk production now. The logic is simple: more local milk means better nutrition, lower costs, and a stronger economy.

So, what are we waiting for?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

02-22-2025

 

 

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