BACOLOD CITY – Victorias City in Negros Occidental inaugurated a Dairy Box and a P7-million Carabao Pen to boost its local carabao dairy production industry.
MAYOR Javier Miguel Benitez (left) and Sen. Mark Villar inaugurate the Dairy Box in Barangay I Satellite Market, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on April 18. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Javi Benitez Facebook)
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and Sen. Mark A. Villar led the unveiling of these two projects in Barangay I Satellite Market and Hacienda San Antonio, Barangay 14, respectively.
These infrastructure projects were turned over to the San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFMPC), the conduit partner of the local government unit (LGU) that will manage and operate the Dairy Box.
“Today marks the beginning of our Great Victorias Carabao Moo-vement with the inauguration of the first Dairy Box in the province of Negros Occidental,” Benitez said. It is a first one-stop outlet for carabao dairy products in the province.
A Carabao Pen is a facility for animals and livestock raisers of SAFMPC which will maximize potential and minimize losses in the local farming industry.
Benitez said that the carabao pen stands as a testament to their dedication to improving livestock management and agricultural practices.
It will enhance the livelihood of local farmers, providing them with the resources and training they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market, he added.
The Dairy Box and Carabao Pen are part of the Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) Project under the Office of Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairwoman of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC).
Benitez said that these projects are not merely infrastructural achievements but also beacons of hope, adding that they symbolize their commitment to nurturing their land, animals, and most importantly, the people.
He stressed that they are not just launching facilities but also laying the foundation for a future of prosperity and health in the city.
Villar commended the local government for these initiatives and underscored the impact of Dairy Box in the local community.
He said the Dairy Box will serve as support infrastructure for the processing and marketing of carabao’s milk.
“We are looking forward to this becoming an additional income for our carabao farmers because this will be a one-stop shop for various products made from buffalo milk such as flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, and others," he added.
Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, stressed the collective effort needed to support local farmers and promote economic growth.
"Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting our local farmers, empowering our rural communities, and fostering economic prosperity. Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for Victorias City and pave the way for a thriving dairy sector in the region," Salces said.