By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, a group of expectant mothers lined up—not for a checkup or vitamins—but for bottles of fresh, pasteurized carabao milk. This simple yet powerful act marks the beginning of a health program aiming to nourish both mothers and their unborn children, while also uplifting local carabao farmers.
As part of its commitment to maternal health and rural development, the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), in partnership with the Alaminos City local government, has launched a special nutrition project under the Early Childhood Care and Development in the First 1000 Days (ECCD F1K) program.
100 mothers, 13 weeks of nutrition
One hundred pregnant women from the city will receive pasteurized carabao milk every week for 13 weeks. Carabao milk is known for its high calcium and protein content, making it an ideal supplement for pregnant women.
The project is not only about nutrition—it also supports the livelihood of local dairy farmers, especially those involved with the Alaminos City Carabao Raisers Agriculture Cooperative (ACCRACO).
“This initiative feeds two goals at once—improving maternal health and helping our carabao raisers,” said local officials, emphasizing the importance of government-led support for both public health and agriculture.
Boosting dairy farming and rural livelihoods
The initiative is part of two larger national programs: the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) and the Carabao Herd Buildup (CHB). These are implemented by DA-PCC through its center at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU).
These programs aim to improve the quality of dairy carabaos, increase milk production, and promote entrepreneurship among smallholder farmers. With proper training, equipment, and market support, farmer-members of ACCRACO are now able to supply high-quality milk that meets food safety standards.
According to DA-PCC, the ECCD F1K program is a strong example of how agriculture and health can work together. It ensures better health outcomes while strengthening local agricultural enterprises.
Long-term vision for food, health, and community
This project highlights a growing belief: that local solutions, when well-supported, can address national issues. From farm to family, every bottle of milk in this program carries the labor of a carabao raiser and the hope of a healthier generation.
By investing in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—considered the most critical window for growth and development—programs like this can make a lasting impact.
As DA-PCC and local governments continue to join forces, more rural communities may benefit from similar partnerships that feed not just stomachs, but futures.
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