By Kenneth Marcos 
The air in General Santos City was filled with anticipation on November 4, 2025, as government officials and local dairy farmers gathered to examine the results of a program aimed at improving community-based dairy farming.
The Calendar Year 2025 Year-End Assessment and Performance Review for the USPL 480 project, “Intensified Community-Based Dairy Enterprise Development (ICBDED),” kicked off with a focus on evaluating the program’s achievements and challenges.
Organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) in partnership with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), the two-day activity aims to measure the program’s impact on local dairy farmers and communities. Officials discussed successes in increasing milk production, improving herd management, and providing farmers with technical support and access to markets.
The review also looked closely at the obstacles faced by participants, such as limited farm inputs, climate-related challenges, and logistical constraints in remote areas. These insights are expected to inform adjustments and new strategies to make the program more effective and sustainable in the coming years.
PCAF and its partner agencies emphasized that the project’s goal is not only to boost milk production but also to strengthen livelihoods, provide training, and support economic growth in rural communities. By refining strategies based on lessons learned, the agencies hope to enhance the reach and efficiency of the program, benefiting more dairy farmers nationwide.
The assessment continues on November 5, 2025, with additional workshops, consultations, and planning sessions to ensure that the next phase of the ICBDED project is well-aligned with the needs of local farmers.
As the Philippines continues to invest in community-based agriculture, programs like USPL 480 serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting small-scale farmers, sustaining rural economies, and building resilient agricultural systems.
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