Baladna, one of the largest dairy producers in Qatar, explored the possibility of investing in the Philippines that will generate around 2,000 new jobs and boost local milk production by about 146.71 million liters
In their recent visit in the municipalities of Sta. Maria and Echague in the province of Isabela last March 16, 2022, Qatari delegates Mr. Aidan Thomas Tynan and Mr. Ghatous Daher discussed the Baladna’s plan of establishing a $500-million investment of state of the art milk processing facility, bringing in about 10,000 dairy cows in a well air-conditioned environment.
The meeting was attended by Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III; Sta. Maria, Isabela Mayor Hilario Pagauitan; Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 Executive Director Narciso Edillo; and officers from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Mr. Tynan also presented the company profile of Baladna and the important details of the project. He emphasized the need for at least 900 hectares of land to put up the proposed facility.
Director Narciso Edillo discussed the potential Sta. Maria and Echague for agricultural investment having the largest land area in the province and being the leading producers of corn which is one of the major considerations in animal feed supply.
Meanwhile, BSWM technical staff Engrs. Bernie Pascua and Val Ablaza presented the maps and a drone video footage of the municipalities of Sta. Maria and Echague. The following day, the Baladna delegates, together with NDA Administrator Farrell Benjelix Magtoto, got an aerial view of the proposed area aboard a helicopter in Echague, Isabela.

This meeting with Baladna consultants was seen to be a giant step in paving the way towards a brighter future for the development of the local dairy industry.

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