Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. – The Provincial Local Government Unit of Mountain Province in partnership with the National Dairy Authority (NDA), conducted a milk processing training to 40 dairy farmers last November 22 and 23, 2018 at the Chico Inn Cafe and Restaurant in this capital town.
The activity aims to capacitate the recipients on processing quality cow’s or goat’s milk for them to produce quality milk and various milk-by-products to augment their income.
Dr. Rodelio B. Bagawi, Provincial Veterinary Officer, said that the activity was spearheaded by the provincial government to support the recipients of the Dairy Production Program of NDA. He relayed that through the efforts of the municipal local chief executives of Bauko and Bontoc, their respective towns are included as recipients of the program. With this, pregnant cows were delivered to the beneficiaries earlier this year.
Bagawi said that the provincial governor has initiated the training in response to the requests of the dairy farmers. He said that once a successful milk-production is realized in Mountain Province, more farmers will be encouraged to venture in dairy cow farming which will lead to the increase of quality cow’s milk and dairy product production in Mountain Province.
The PVET has invited milk experts from the NDA who provided lectures, trainings and demonstrations on milk handling and processing, milk pasteurization, farm management and milk by-product making.
Lennard Bryle P. Rosal, Food Technologists at the NDA North Luzon Department pointed out the importance of proper milk handling and processing. He said that proper milk handling assures the quality and safety of products while milk processing will provide higher quality of dairy products, thus, giving our small scale dairy farmers higher income than selling raw milk.
“Since milk can be processed into high value, concentrated and easily transportable dairy products, the local farmers will benefit in terms of transportation, marketing and longer shelf-life of products,” Rosal said.
Other visitor-lecturers from the NDA are Project Development Officer Judith S. Estropigan and Mountain Province Dairy Project Coordinator, Ronnie Erni.
The two-day activity went well through an interactive learning and the dairy farmers were able to share their experiences and good practices.
Meanwhile, Executive Assistant Marcelino T. Balaso, Jr. who delivered the message of Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., said that the provincial government has been supportive to the development of farmers in the province. He is optimistic that once the purpose of the training is realized, dairy products in Mountain Province will be reaching farther areas within and outside the region.
He encouraged the participants to share the knowledge to those who are interested in dairy production so that open areas in our place will be utilized into forage areas to provide income to more families. Balaso further remarked that the training is an important factor in further developing Agro-tourism in Mountain Province. **Erwin S. Batnag
