President Marcos said the inauguration of a new milk processing facility in Pampanga will help reduce the country’s dependence on imported dairy products, while ensuring a steady supply of affordable nutrition for Filipino families.

Marcos said the plant, a project of Farm Fresh Milk Inc. Philippines in partnership with Malaysian investors, will help the Philippines secure a steady supply of milk while creating livelihood opportunities in local communities.

“With Farm Fresh here, we are hoping, we are looking forward to a much larger supply of fresh milk for our people,” the President said Friday, Oct. 3.

He added that the planned Phase 2 of the project, which includes the importation of dairy cows from Malaysia and Australia, will be “an import substitute” as it boosts production within the country.

Marcos suggested that the expansion be packaged as a public-private partnership (PPP) for faster approval, noting reforms made to streamline unsolicited proposals.

While welcoming the Pampanga facility, Marcos admitted that the local dairy sector continues to face serious hurdles.

“Isa na rito ang patuloy na pag-asa natin sa pag-aangkat ng dairy products mula sa ibang bansa (One of these is our continued dependence on importing dairy products from other countries),” he said.

He also cited climate change as a growing threat, saying the “changing climate” has lowered milk production across the country.

Marcos stressed the need for new facilities to improve the collection and processing of dairy products, saying investments in such infrastructure are crucial to self-sufficiency.

The Pampanga plant is expected to produce 32 million liters of pasteurized milk and over 2.4 million liters of yogurt every year.

President Marcos said this output will not only strengthen supply chains but also benefit farmers, veterinarians, and farm workers with more stable employment.

“This is very important because this is going to be an import substitute – those of our milk products at present come from importation,” he said.

The President pointed to the Dairy Industry Development Program, under Republic Act No. 7884, which provides farmers with loans, livestock, and training in dairy management, husbandry, and breeding.

He said government agencies are now studying ways to raise local milk production further and attract new investments into the industry.

“Makakaasa kayo na naririto ang pamahalaan upang magpatupad ng mga programang magpapabilis sa ating pagproseso ng dairy products (You can expect the government to be here to push programs that will accelerate our dairy production),” Marcos said.

“We will continue to work with the private sector to extend support to our farmers and our workers,” he added.

Marcos highlighted the importance of milk not only for nutrition but also for the economy, as it supports food manufacturing and provides value-added opportunities.

“Hindi man laging napapansin, ngunit napakahalaga ng gatas sa ating kalusugan at sa ating ekonomiya (Milk may not always be noticed, but it is vital to our health and economy),” the President said.

The President said the project will also provide stable jobs for farmers, veterinarians, and local workers in the dairy industry.

“Through your efforts, more Filipino farmers and veterinarians can now have a more stable and dignified job,” he said, noting that the new plant would support both employment and local agriculture.

He also met with 15 elementary students during the event, describing them as “future consumers” of fresh local milk.