By Kenneth Marcos 
NDA, Private Firm Meet on Silage Plan in Manila
Inside the Central Office conference room, discussions centered on one goal: helping dairy farmers produce more milk. As feed costs continue to rise and weather patterns become unpredictable, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious animal feed has become a growing concern for the country’s dairy sector.
The National Dairy Authority (NDA), led by Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, met with private sector representatives to explore plans to produce silage for local dairy farmers. Present during the meeting were Mr. Anthony Fernandez, President of Merkurion, along with Mr. Richard Enguillo and Mr. Edwin Espiritu.
Silage is fermented, high-moisture stored fodder made from crops such as corn, grass, or other forage. It is a key feed component for dairy cattle because it helps preserve nutrients and provides a stable food source even during dry months. Properly prepared silage supports better digestion, improves milk yield, and reduces feed shortages during extreme weather.
The Philippines continues to rely heavily on imported dairy products, with local production meeting only a small portion of national demand. According to industry data, strengthening domestic milk output remains a priority to improve food security and support rural livelihoods. One of the major challenges faced by dairy farmers is the high cost and inconsistent supply of quality feed.
By partnering with the private sector, the NDA aims to encourage investments in feed production facilities, including silage processing and storage. Officials believe that expanding access to affordable and nutritious feed can directly improve milk productivity and farmers’ income.
Dairy farming plays an important role in many rural communities. Smallholder farmers often manage a few dairy cows as an additional source of income. However, limited access to quality feed, veterinary services, and modern technologies has slowed growth in the industry.
Silage production can help address seasonal feed shortages. During long dry spells or heavy rains, fresh forage becomes scarce or damaged. Stored silage ensures that cows continue receiving balanced nutrition year-round. Experts note that consistent feeding practices are directly linked to stable milk supply and better herd health.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies to strengthen public-private partnerships in agriculture. Encouraging collaboration between government and business groups is seen as a practical way to increase efficiency, expand infrastructure, and support farmers at the grassroots level.
Administrator Andaya emphasized the importance of long-term solutions that will benefit dairy farmers nationwide. By developing reliable silage production systems, the NDA hopes to help reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of locally produced milk.
As the country works toward building a stronger dairy industry, investments in feed security remain a critical step. For many Filipino dairy farmers, better access to affordable and high-quality silage could mean healthier cows, higher milk output, and more stable income for their families.
Sustained collaboration between government and the private sector may help turn these plans into concrete support on the ground, bringing the country closer to greater dairy self-sufficiency.
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