By Kenneth Marcos 
President says local milk production key to children’s health, nutrition
SAN SIMON, PAMPANGA — With a glass of fresh milk raised high, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the urgent need to improve the country’s dairy industry—not just for economic growth, but for the health of millions of Filipino children.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk Plant in San Simon, Pampanga, President Marcos emphasized that boosting local milk production is crucial to fighting malnutrition, especially among young Filipinos in low-income communities.
“Gatas ay isa sa pinaka-basic na pangangailangan ng mga bata para sa tamang nutrisyon,” the President said in his speech. “Kung sarili nating gatas ang ating ginagamit, mas sigurado tayo sa kalidad at benepisyo nito.”
The newly opened plant, considered one of the most modern in the country, is expected to supply high-quality fresh milk to nearby provinces and Metro Manila. It also aims to support local dairy farmers and create new jobs in the region.
President Marcos assured continued government support for programs that strengthen the local dairy supply chain—from providing better breeds of dairy cattle to improving feeding systems, pasture development, and cold chain facilities.
He also called on investors and the private sector to help expand the country’s milk industry. Currently, the Philippines imports over 99% of its dairy needs, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA). Local milk production supplies less than 1%, mainly from small-scale dairy farmers.
This heavy dependence on imported milk makes the country vulnerable to global price hikes and supply disruptions.
To address this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and NDA have been working to increase local production through dairy multiplier farms, farmer cooperatives, and partnerships with the private sector.
The President highlighted the potential of regions like Pampanga to become dairy hubs, thanks to their strategic location, access to markets, and skilled workforce. He said that with the right investments, the Philippines could soon begin reducing its reliance on imported milk.
“Kung mas maraming gatas ang ating mapo-produce, mas maraming batang Pilipino ang makikinabang. Mas malusog, mas matalino, mas handa sa kinabukasan,” Marcos added.
The opening of the Farm Fresh Milk Plant is aligned with the government’s broader food security strategy under the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas campaign. This includes making nutritious food more available and affordable for Filipino families, especially in underserved areas.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture, National Dairy Authority, and local government units also attended the event. They expressed full support for the initiative, saying it sends a strong message that milk is not a luxury—but a basic need that every Filipino child should have access to.
As the government continues to push for food self-sufficiency, the President urged every sector to join the cause—not just for profit, but for the next generation’s well-being.
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