By Kenneth Marcos 
In a lively daycare center in Manila, children eagerly sip glasses of fresh milk, their laughter filling the room. Nearby, local dairy farmers watch with pride, knowing their milk is helping nourish the next generation. This is the scene that has caught the attention of local governments outside Metro Manila, as the “Yormilk” program gains momentum.
Launched on January 12 in Manila, Yormilk provides free, locally produced milk to daycare children three times a week for 90 days. The program aims to combat childhood malnutrition while supporting Filipino dairy farmers by creating a reliable market for their produce.
Marcus Andaya, Administrator of the National Dairy Authority (NDA), shared that at least five local government units (LGUs) have expressed interest in adopting Yormilk in their own communities. Two of these LGUs, including Romblon, are already in active discussions with the NDA to tailor the program to local needs.
“And I truly saw the joy of the children and the happiness of the farmers. Even if they don’t sell directly to these LGUs, they know their milk will still be bought somewhere, supporting fellow farmers,” Andaya said in a Special on Saturday interview.
The program highlights a dual benefit: addressing childhood nutrition and providing a stable income for local dairy farmers. This approach reflects the government’s broader efforts under the Department of Agriculture to strengthen local agriculture while improving public health.
Officials believe that replicating Yormilk in other provinces could create stronger farm-to-school linkages, encourage local milk production, and promote healthier communities. For LGUs, the program is seen as an efficient way to combat malnutrition while investing in homegrown agriculture.
With the growing interest from regions outside Metro Manila, NDA hopes that Yormilk will expand nationwide, ensuring more children receive proper nutrition while uplifting Filipino dairy farmers. The initiative shows how a simple glass of milk can become a powerful tool for community health and economic support.
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