By Kenneth Marcos 
In the rural towns of Negros Oriental, thousands of undernourished children are now receiving a healthier start in life—one glass of milk at a time.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and local cooperatives, recently launched a milk feeding program that aims to combat child malnutrition while boosting local livelihoods in the province.
Milk and hope for 7,500 children
A total of 7,539 underweight and stunted children from six areas—Dauin, Pamplona, Tanjay City, Bacong, Zamboanguita, and Bayawan City—will benefit from the 120-day program. Each child will receive 180 ml of fresh carabao’s milk twice a week, ensuring a regular supply of essential nutrients that support growth and development.
Malnutrition remains a serious concern in the Philippines. According to the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, 26.7% of Filipino children under five are stunted, while 5.5% are severely wasted. These numbers are even more alarming in rural and low-income communities.
By delivering high-protein, calcium-rich carabao’s milk, the program addresses not just hunger, but also helps improve bone strength, immune resistance, and brain function in young children.
Local farmers and cooperatives at the center
What makes this program unique is its community-based approach. The San Julio Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (SJARB) Multi-Purpose Cooperative in La Carlota plays a vital role in the project. It handles the processing and packaging of the milk, following strict safety and quality guidelines set by DSWD and DA-PCC.
Meanwhile, the La Carlota Stock Farm (LCSF), a DA-PCC facility, provides technical support, quality assurance, and coordination between the agencies to ensure smooth operations.
This approach not only supports the health of children but also empowers local dairy farmers, creates jobs, and builds a more sustainable dairy supply chain within the region.
Part of ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’
The milk feeding program is one of many efforts under the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas campaign, which focuses on food security, social protection, and inclusive economic growth.
By investing in nutrition and rural development, the government hopes to break the cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and unemployment that continues to affect many Filipino families, especially in far-flung communities.
The program proves that effective partnerships between government agencies and grassroots cooperatives can bring meaningful impact to the lives of Filipinos—starting with the country’s most vulnerable children.
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