IP land nominated as potential dairy stock farms

THE National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said they have identified five ancestral domains which could host farms for dairy animals.

In a statement, the NDA said that the parties signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday outlining the terms of their partnership.

“The main objective of the agreement is to introduce dairy animal production to indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) that will result in socio-economic development and poverty alleviation,” the NDA said.

The proposed stock farms will help raise the numbers of dairy cattle, dairy carabao, and dairy goats.

The ancestral domains are in Tanay, Rizal; San Isidro, Antipolo City; Pangasinan; Marilog, Davao; and Malitbog, Bukidnon.

“The commission gladly accepted the partnership for it will enhance the well-being of our ICCs and indigenous peoples (IPs) on matters related to income generation and economic opportunities resulting in a better quality of life for their families,” the NCIP said.

Rowena E. Bautista, NDA operations manager, said that the NDA hopes to achieve 5% milk sufficiency by 2028.

“We firmly believe that collaboration between government agencies is essential for our nation to achieve food sufficiency,” she added. “It is imperative that we combine our resources and expertise for the greater good of our country.”

IPs, who will be provided with training in dairy farm management, will be hired as workers in the stock farms.

“This not only offers livelihood opportunities but also supports NDA’s goal of increasing milk sufficiency through operational expansion,” the NDA said.

The NDA also committed to conduct training to future farmworkers, who will receive certificates upon completion of their courses.