Economic benefits of a Dairy Industry in Mangaldan

by Mortz C. Ortigoz

MOA Between Mangaldan and Carabao Center: To bolster the economic plights of the farmers in Mangaldan, Mayor Hermie Romero (front row 2^nd from left) inked with Mrs. Gloria de la Cruz  (front row, 3^rd from left)- the chief of the Philippine Carabao Center in Region 1.

MANGALDAN- According to the chief of the Philippine Carabao Center that oversees Region 1, and the provinces of Benguet and Mt. Province, the Memorandum of Agreement entered by Mayor Herminio Romero here bode well for the farmers as the artificial insemination they endeavor would increase the milk productivity of a “mestizo “ or hybrid buffalo from its present native ascendant.
 Mrs. Gloria de la Cruz said that the MOA could change the economic status of the farmers who are used to till their land and satisfied themselves with a pittance as earning from it.
She explained the multiplier effects of the program is the people of this town can produce pastillas, kesong puti, chocolate milk, other quality cheese, ice cream, and other products that need milk.
“Magkakaroon na kami ng isang association sa training sa pag-aasikaso ng kalabaw. Paano sila magpapasok, paano sila mag-handle ng meat, paano sila mag-market. Ang farmers doon lang siya sa bukid when in fact we could improve his standard with the carabao. Mag-start na iyan anytime from now. Iyung nasabi ko kay MAO (Municipal Agricultural Officer) and mayor na we will have a meeting with barangay captains. Then we will go to the barangay level na magkakaroon din ng carabao program.  Regarding po sa carabao baka pati sa other live stocks puedi kaming mag commit doon ng self-help activities lahat po ng training regarding sa livestock papasukin po namin,”she stressed.
De la Cruz added the dairy program will see fruition after three years when the hybrid animals start to produce milk.
She explained however that this town can start the program soon by buying female buffalo that are readied to be slaughtered at the abattoir here.
The male offspring, she said, as a result of the insemination could be sold to the market where its parts like those intended for “bulalo (beef, bone marrow, and vegetable soup )”.
“Because  ang meat (hybrid) kalabaw is comparable sa hollow breed ng South Korea which is very sumptuous and nutritious .”
De la Cruz was optimistic that the dairy industry she entered with Mayor Romero can go places.
“E develop din natin para magka-roon tayo ng industria na puedi tayo magkaroon ng export in the long run,” she opined.