CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Senator Cynthia Villar believes that carabao milk is a good alternative livelihood for farmers in the provinces.
During her to Northern Samar on Saturday(June 15), Villar, who topped the senatorial derby of the recently-concluded elections, told members of the media here about her plans of establishing in Northern Samar a livelihood model for dairy production using carabao fresh milk.
Noting that only one percent of the milk supply in the country is produced by local manufacturers, Villar stressed the need to increase local production of dairy.
She said that unlike cattles, the Philippine carabao is easier to tend as it adopts to hot weather conditions.
In 2018, Villar has allocated funds for dairy centers in 15 provinces. This year the senator announced that she will fund for dairy centers in 15 more provinces including Northern Samar.
“Bibigyan ko ang Northern Samar ng isang model, gaya ng ginawa nila sa Ubay, Bohol where carabao milk stalls have flourished because they have a well-managed dairy center,” Villar, who chairs the committee of agriculture at the Senate, said.
The project will require an initial cost of P10 million and will be assisted by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), she said.
“Tetistingin ko lang na pag binigyan ko kayo kaya nyong ma-expand (yung dairy project). Kasi minsan bibigyan mo imbes na ma-expand nawala,” Villar said.
The P10 million will cover for dispersal of 100 milking carabaos, establishment of a processing center, and a storage.
The senator was in Catarman as guest of honor and speaker for the 58th commencement exercises of the University of Eastern Philippines.
(RACHEL V. ARNAIZ)
