It is seen to not only strengthen the local industry, but will also reduce dependence on imported dairy products and generate more jobs for Filipinos.
On Friday, October 3, the Farm Fresh Milk Plant at the Global Aseana Business Park 2 in San Simon, Pampanga was officially inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, together with Philippine and Malaysian officials.
The 5,700-square meter dairy processing plant, which has an investment capital of PHP312.5 million, is projected to produce 32 million liters of pasteurized milk and 2.4 million liters of yogurt annually.
In his speech, Marcos emphasized the significance of milk for both health and the economy and highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening the local dairy sector.
“Hindi man palaging napapansin, ngunit napakahalaga ng gatas sa ating kalusugan at sa ating ekonomiya… Ang paglaki at pag-develop ng ating kabataan ay nakasalalay sa tamang nutrisyon, kabilang na (rito) ang galing sa gatas,” said the President.
He also mentioned the industries that need milk, such as food and manufacturing, which use it to create bread, desserts, and other delicacies.
Marcos added that the local dairy industry continues to struggle with its dependence on imports and climate-related challenges, acknowledging the need for modern facilities to collect and process dairy products.
With this plant, he said that it will be able to provide efficient production and sustainable income sources for farmers and workers across Pampanga and neighboring provinces.
“None of this would have been possible without the consistent support of Farm Fresh in our collective aspiration to boost our local production of dairy products. Through your efforts, more Filipino farmers, veterinarians can now have a more stable and dignified job,” said the chief executive.
He likewise reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Dairy Industry Development Program, under Republic Act 7884, which provides loans, dairy animals, and training for farmers in dairy management, husbandry, and breeding.
To date, it has distributed 1,042 local cattle and 275 dairy goats to 393 farmers nationwide.
In addition, the government is studying ways to boost production of dairy products and attract more investments into the sector.
“Makakaasa kayo na naririto ang pamahalaan upang magpatupad ng mga programang magpapabilis sa ating pag-proseso ng dairy products,” President Marcos said.
The facility is owned by Farm Fresh Milk Inc. is the Philippine subsidiary of Malaysia’s leading dairy company, Farm Fresh Berhad.