The Philippines is projected to increase its milk self-sufficiency rate by just over one percentage point this year, driven by the arrival of imported cattle to expand the local herd and boost production, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA).

NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said the agency has set a 3.3 percent milk self-sufficiency target for 2026, up from 2.2 percent in 2025. He noted that the country is on track to slightly reduce its dependence on foreign dairy through stronger local production, which is forecast to grow by 22 percent to a record-high 53 million liters, up from last year’s 43.3 million liters.

Andaya said this optimism anchors on the arrival of up to 1,600 Holstein-Jersey cattle from Australia, expected by October at the latest. The importation will expand the country’s herd, which exceeded 160,000 head at the end of last year. The entry of new cattle will be complemented by NDA-managed stock farms and a wider distribution of animal feed to local raisers.

“Our goal now is 3.3 [percent]. That's our objective and we are confident that we will get it,” Andaya told reporters.

Even if the dairy sector falls short, Andaya noted that reaching three percent would still be a major milestone, given that the country’s self-sufficiency rate had been stagnant at 1 percent for over 30 years prior to recent NDA interventions. The agency aims to push that figure to 5 percent by 2028.

To reach its long-term goals, the NDA is exploring partnerships with foreign entities to acquire modern farming technologies. Among these is a potential ₱2-billion loan from the French government to fund a program covering stock farm construction alongside the acquisition of French technology, equipment, and cattle. However, the program remains pending while a feasibility study evaluates its viability.

Additionally, the NDA is exploring a potential grant from the Czech Republic focused on capacity-building for dairy farmers. Domestically, the agency is working to secure investment commitments from local government units to improve their respective dairy sectors.

A successful boost in domestic milk production this year will likely dent foreign imports. According to NDA data, the country’s dairy imports already declined by three percent to 3.39 million metric tons in liquid milk equivalent last year as local output hit its current record of 43.3 million liters.