KABACAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) — The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato urged the public to patronize locally produced buffalo milk, stressing it is particularly good for the children.
During the recent PIA Talakayang Dose radio program, Benjamin John Basilio, center director of the PCC, said buffalo milk is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fats which are important for growth and development. These are also helpful to support cell function, build strong bones and teeth, and keep the immune system healthy.
““Ang pag-inom ng milk products ay malaking bagay para sa ating health,” he said.
Basilio said that one way to intensify the campaign on patronizing the milk products of PCC, the agency partners with the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the conduct of a school-based milk feeding program.
“Isa tayo sa instruments kung saan ma-narrow down natin ang gap sa malnutrition,” the center director said adding that starting next month, the PCC will expand the conduct of its program to target schools in Regions 11 and 12, including Cotabato City and the special geographic areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Aside from the school-based milk feeding program, the PCC, through the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, has put up dairy boxes or marketing outlets in different parts of the country to provide the public with locally-made dairy products and to help dairy farmers and workers gain extra income.
Residents can buy fresh milk, choco milk, ice cream, yogurt, kesong puti, pastillas, and many others through the dairy boxes or marketing outlets.
