By Kenneth Marcos 
A group of small farmers huddled under the scorching sun, watching a herd of cows slowly graze on fresh forage — for many, the gentle lowing sounded like the promise of a better livelihood.
On November 25, 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Dairy Authority (NDA) formally opened the General Tinio Stock Farm in Nueva Ecija, a landmark dairy facility meant to help boost local milk production and improve incomes for Filipino dairy farmers.
The new farm—built with a budget of ₱59 million—is designed to serve as a national breeding, development, and acclimatization centre for imported dairy cattle. Once the animals adapt to the Philippine climate and conditions, they will be transferred to “Dairy Multiplier Farms” (DMFs) and eventually distributed to smallholder farmers across the country.
The facility can hold about 150 dairy cattle. It includes modern features such as cooling misters, cow brushes for hygiene and comfort, and a 15-hectare area planted for forage — all aimed at ensuring good health and high milk yield from the animals.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the stock farm addresses a long-standing problem of “insufficient productive dairy animals” in the country. He said expanding the dairy herd is essential to reducing reliance on imported milk and giving small farmers a fighting chance at stable income.
NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius T. Andaya described the farm not just as a building, but as “a long-term commitment to building a strong, reliable, and self-sustaining dairy sector.” He said acclimatizing imported cattle before distributing them will improve their survival and productivity — a critical step in making dairy farming a viable livelihood for many.
The General Tinio facility is the first of five planned stock farms under the NDA’s herd-expansion program. Other locations include Ubay (Bohol), Malaybalay (Bukidnon), Carmen (Cotabato), and Prosperidad (Agusan del Sur).
The timing is significant. Earlier in 2025, the country’s milk production rose by 11.4 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period in 2024 — a signal that recent efforts may be starting to pay off. As of mid-2025, the national dairy herd expanded by over 16 percent, showing that more farmers are raising dairy animals.
For many small dairy producers — often struggling with high costs and unpredictable supply — the new stock farm offers hope. With improved access to healthy, climate-adapted cattle, and continued support from the DA-NDA, their milk output and earnings could rise.
The opening of the General Tinio Stock Farm marks the beginning of a renewed push to strengthen the dairy industry and support rural livelihoods. As this initiative unfolds, more Filipino families may benefit — from increased farm income to wider availability of fresh, locally produced milk.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News