LOS BAÑOS, Laguna (PIA) -- The Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) highlighted the dairy sector’s pivotal role in addressing malnutrition and food security in the country. 

During the Advanced Training Course on Dairy Cattle Nutrition, Production, and Management held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños on April 12, DTRI director Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, emphasized the importance of continuously keeping local farmers at par with industry standards and innovations.

Del Barrio said: “Through this endeavor, we are addressing malnutrition and boosting farmers’ incomes. We have made significant strides in nurturing the Philippine dairy industry, improving the lives of Filipino farmers, and enhancing quality and productivity.” 

As the country’s premier dairy research training and innovation hub, DTRI has collaborated with the Philippine Embassy of the Netherlands and private partner Alaska Milk Corporation to launch a series of trainings on a wide spectrum of topics, which include livestock management and managing dairy cooperatives.

As observed by Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts, the Philippine dairy sector has a huge potential to ensure food security and the reduction of malnutrition cases in the country. 

“I think the dairy sector in the Philippines has a lot of potential. It will help the income of the farmers if you develop the dairy sector, but it will also help in nutrition and food security.” 

One of the participants in the program, John Davis Garcia of the Roqueza Integrated Farm in Pila, Laguna, gave importance to the training sessions as they contributed to the increase in their production and revenue.

With the help of DTRI, Roqueza farm boosted its production to 1,629.5 liters, or an average of 52.56 liters per day from an average of 1,065 liters, or an average of 35.53 liters per day. 

“We truly appreciate the concern and time you gave us. Because of this training, we have fully understood that it is not enough to provide food, but to consider the nutritional requirements and feeding management to attain higher milk production.”

Likewise, Sta. Maria Dairy Farm’s Jose Tapay, Jr. experienced a surge in their dairy production where they saw an increase in their income.

“We now have a new farm that houses 70 heads [of cow], with an average production of 18 liters per head, per day. This was not an instant success. If we see something that works on another farm, we try to incorporate it into ours,” the farmer said.

While the DTRI-led sessions have been proven effective for dairy farmers, UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science dean, Dr. Elpidio Agbisit Jr., laments that only one percent of the world’s dairy production comes from the Philippines.

The dean said: “When DTRI was established 60 years ago, one percent of the world’s milk production was from the Philippines. After 60 years, it’s still one percent. My advice is to be the ripple of change that will improve the dairy industry.” 

Agbisit expressed optimism for the future of dairy production and urged collaboration to move the livestock industry forward. (PB/PIA4A)