By Kenneth Marcos 
On a quiet morning at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, officials gathered with a shared goal: to strengthen the country’s dairy industry by improving the quality of local cattle. For dairy farmers who rely on healthier and more productive animals, the agreement signed that day promises long-term gains.
On February 3, 2026, the National Dairy Authority and the University of the Philippines Los Baños formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at the Office of the Chancellor. The agreement brings together the expertise of the NDA and the facilities of the UPLB Dairy Training and Research Institute to expand local production of frozen semen and improve the genetic quality of the country’s dairy herd.
The MOA was signed on behalf of the NDA by Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, with Acting Operations Manager Rowena E. Bautista. UPLB was represented by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., through the Dairy Training and Research Institute led by Director Agapita J. Salces.
Under the agreement, the NDA will provide three purebred Holstein bulls that will be housed at the DTRI for semen collection and processing. These bulls are expected to produce around 9,600 semen straws every year, which will be used for artificial insemination programs across the country.
Officials said the project is a key step toward reducing the country’s dependence on imported dairy semen. Imported semen is costly and often subject to supply delays. By producing high-quality semen locally, the NDA expects to lower costs, ensure a steady supply, and make improved genetics more accessible to Filipino dairy farmers.
Artificial insemination plays a critical role in improving milk yield and herd health. Better genetics mean stronger animals, higher productivity, and improved resistance to disease. For small dairy farmers, these improvements can translate to higher income and more stable livelihoods.
The partnership also strengthens the role of UPLB as a center for dairy research and training. The DTRI will handle semen collection and processing, while also serving as a training ground for students, technicians, and livestock professionals. This ensures that technical knowledge is shared and sustained for future generations.
CALABARZON, known as one of the country’s major dairy-producing regions, is expected to benefit directly from the project. Farmers in nearby areas will have faster access to quality semen, reducing waiting time and transportation costs. Officials said this proximity will help speed up herd improvement efforts and raise overall productivity in the region.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of strengthening local food production and reducing reliance on imports. By investing in genetics and local capacity, the dairy sector can move toward greater self-sufficiency and resilience.
NDA officials emphasized that partnerships with academic institutions are essential for long-term development. Combining research, training, and field implementation helps ensure that government programs are both science-based and practical for farmers.
As the project moves forward, the NDA and UPLB said they will continue working closely to monitor results and explore ways to expand the program. For dairy farmers, the agreement offers renewed hope that better animals and better yields are within reach through local solutions and sustained cooperation.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News