By Kenneth Marcos 
On this year’s celebration of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, families across the country are being encouraged to enjoy not just a meal together—but a healthy one. And on top of the list of recommended foods: fresh carabao milk.
In San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, the Mercader family—Samuel and Erlinda, both longtime carabao dairy farmers—start their day before sunrise. After feeding their livestock and milking their carabaos, they deliver bottles of fresh milk to households, markets, and school feeding programs. For them, every glass sold means not just income—but the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: to nourish Filipino families while securing a better future for their own.
Government agencies supporting National Family Week are promoting fresh carabao milk as a healthy and locally sourced option during family meals. Rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and energy, carabao milk helps build strong bodies and healthy minds, especially for growing children and hardworking adults.
“Mas masustansya ito kaysa sa gatas ng baka,” shared Samuel Mercader, a proud member of a local carapreneur cooperative. “At kapag bumili kayo ng gatas mula sa mga magsasaka, kayo rin ay tumutulong sa kabuhayan namin.”
According to the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), carabao milk contains almost twice the fat and protein compared to cow’s milk. It also has high levels of calcium and essential nutrients needed for daily energy. It’s often used not just as a drink but also in cooking traditional dishes and desserts like pastillas, kesong puti, and leche flan.
The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day is observed every fourth Monday of September, as part of the National Family Week celebration. It highlights the importance of eating meals together as a way to strengthen family bonds, improve communication, and build emotional connection among members.
Nutrition advocates say family meals also play a role in teaching children about healthy food choices. “When families eat together, they eat better,” said Dr. Liza Dela Cruz, a nutritionist working with local feeding programs. “And when they drink fresh milk together, they support local agriculture and protect their health at the same time.”
The Department of Agriculture and the PCC continue to support small-scale dairy farmers by linking them with institutional buyers and school-based feeding programs. The goal is to grow the local dairy industry while making carabao milk more accessible and affordable for the public.
As more Filipinos recognize the value of homegrown and healthy products, carapreneurs like the Mercader family hope that fresh carabao milk will become a regular part of every Filipino family’s dining table—not just during special occasions, but every day.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News