The Department of Agriculture-National Dairy Authority (DA-NDA) celebrated its 28th Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “NDA at 28: Patungo sa Masaganang Industriya ng Pagatasan” on March 24, 2023.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the crucial role that the NDA plays in our pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable dairy industry. Since its establishment, the NDA has been at the forefront of promoting the development of the local industry ensuring the production of quality milk and providing technical assistance to farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders,” DA Assistant Secretary for Administration Jane Bacayo said on behalf of Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban.
He added that as the mother agency of NDA, the DA is committed to supporting the dairy sector’s growth as it recognizes the potential of the dairy industry to contribute to the country’s food and nutrition security.
Assistant Secretary Bacayo also stressed the importance of strategic and meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders and the private sector to promote the consumption of local milk and dairy products and to enhance the competitiveness of the dairy industry.
DA-NDA Administrator Gabriel Lagamayo, on the other hand, recognized the NDA personnel’s diligence that helped the agency make significant strides in strengthening local milk production.
“We have worked tirelessly to promote the development of the industry in the Philippines, and I am proud to say that we have reached a lot. The backbone of the nation is agriculture and what else can strengthen the bones but milk,” he said.
Administrator Lagamayo also urged the NDA family to double their efforts and continue promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
As a partner of the DA, Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte praised the NDA for its effective management of developmental dairy programs.
“Let us work tirelessly to reduce our reliance on imports and ensure that solutions are adopted by farmers across the country for accelerated production of milk and milk products,” she said.
Created through Republic Act 7884 or the National Dairy Development Act of 1995, the NDA envisions a productive, profitable, competitive, resilient, and sustainable growing dairy industry. The NDA offers animal health services, market assistance, upgrading of local animals, and breeding/multiplier farm operations, among others. The agency also has programs on milk feeding, dairy business enhancement, herd build-up, and animal financing. ###
