Manila, Philippines – The National Dairy Authority (NDA) commemorated its 28th anniversary through a series of events held in various field offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The month-long celebration was themed “Sama-sama Patungo sa Masaganang Industriya ng Pagatasan” which aimed to showcase the agency’s achievements, promote the dairy industry in the Philippines, and engage dairy farmers and stakeholders in a dialogue to better understand their situation and challenges on the ground. The celebrations in each field office were unique, showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of the regions.
Juban, Sorsogon Dairy Goat Turn Over
On March 7, the NDA Southern Luzon Department turned over 28 local dairy to the Association of Hopeful Farmers (AHF) in Juban. This marks the first time that the whole Bicol Region has received dairy goats under the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program (CFIDP). The initiative will provide coconut farmers with an additional source of income through the production of goat milk and other dairy products.
Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food and Sorsogon Governor Edwin “Boboy” Hamor gave their greetings via video message. The event was also graced by Juban City Vice Mayor Felipe Guasa, Councilor Adia Guevarra, Cantanusan Barangay Captain Reynaldo Balana and Municipal Agriculturists Mr. Leo Tabing.
OIC-Deputy Administrator Atty. Alfredo Gavino C. Benitez formally starts the ceremony with his opening remarks
Juban City Vice Mayor Felipe Guasa gives his message
Memorandum of Agreement signing between the National Dairy Authority and the Association of Hopeful Farmers witnessed by the NDA Executive Committee and VIPs.
Northern Luzon Department
The Northern Luzon Department held a Barrio Fiesta-themed celebration at the Mallig Sports Complex in Isabela. The event included a mini caravan, a breakfast featuring the hit sausage of Isabela Dairy Enterprise-Mallig Dairy Cooperative, and inspiring messages about the impacts of dairy in their areas.
Together with Department members, farmers in Northern Luzon were also recognized and honored for their invaluable contribution to the Milk Feeding Program and to the dairy industry.
The department expressed their gratitude to the awardees through certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation.
Start of the mini caravan at the Isabela Dairy Enterprise, the processing plant of the Mallig Dairy Cooperative.
Municipality of Mallig Mayor Honorable Jose Philip “JP” Calderon shares his message to farmers ad dairy stakeholders.
Dairy farmer constituents of Mallig joined the commemoration of the 28th Founding Anniversary of NDA.
Impartation of message of inspiration from NDA Administrator Gabriel Lagamayo, OIC-Deputy Administrator Atty. Gavino Alfredo Benitez, National Milk Feeding Coordinator Joshua Lomuntad and Provincial Agriculturalist Marites Frogoso.
Ceremonial Milk Toasting with guests from the NDA Central Office and VIPs
Southern Luzon Department
The Southern Luzon Department celebrated their anniversary at the Quezon Premiere Hotel in Candelaria, Quezon. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Rolando V. Manningas, Training Center Superintendent II / Center Director of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) CALABARZON.
NDA Administrator Dr. Gabriel L. Lagamayo giving his keynote speech
NDA-SLD OIC-Department Manager Feddik Antonette J. Serrano giving her keynote speech
Milk feeding program
Full force – employees and managers of the South Luzon Department strike a pose as they conduct their milk distribution program.
In celebration of Women’s Month, a milk processing demonstration was conducted to women participants from Brgy.
Visayas Department
The Visayas Department held an awarding ceremony to recognize the Best School Division Office Milk Feeding Program Implementer in Eastern Samar, Capiz, and Danao City. In celebration of Women’s Month, certificates of appreciation were given to 15 active dairy women as well as one female Artificial Insemination technician. Incentives were awarded to several active AI technicians.
A farmers’ open forum was also held, where Dr. Lagamayo answered questions from farmers and other dairy stakeholders.
NDA Administrator Dr. Gabriel L. Lagamayo answers the farmers’ queries in an open forum
Awarding ceremony of incentives for Cooperative Development Technicians
Awarding ceremony of outstanding dairy farms in Visayas
Northern Mindanao Department
The Northern Mindanao Department celebrated by awarding and recognizing the invaluable efforts of their government partners, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education.
The department also held a turn-over ceremony of a Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP-REAP) subproject on dairy processing and marketing facility to Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC).
Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez, represented by Chief of Staff Atty. Regine Beatrice T. Rodriguez, commended the celebration and said it was thoughtful for a government agency to include their stakeholders and partners in their anniversary celebration.
The event was attended by the Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Representative Congressman Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” B. Emano, Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez, represented by Chief of Staff Atty. Regine Beatrice T. Rodriguez, El Salvador City Mayor Edgar S. Lignes, Nawaan City Mayor Dennis L. Roa all known to be avid supporters of the dairy industry.
Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban gives his message
Southern Mindanao Department
The Southern Mindanao Department celebrated its month-long activities coinciding with Region 12’s Milk Awareness Month. A Thanksgiving Mass was held to kick-start the month-long activities, which included a milk feeding and sampling on a Badjao Community in Davao City.
The department also conducted a “Handog Pasasalamat” where they visited 20 school district offices in Southern Mindanao and gave tokens and plaques of appreciation, milk products and sang a thanksgiving song for a fruitful partnership for the milk feeding program.
During the employees’ night, the department awarded licenses to operate to recognized farmers, cooperatives and partners and recognized the contributions of its employees.
In conclusion, NDA Administrator Gabriel L. Lagamayo said, “As we celebrate our 28th anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the growth and development of the dairy industry. As we celebrate the “now” let us also think of the future in the coming years to come.”
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