Capitol Allots P35 Million AidTo Dairy Farming Development

The provincial government has beefed up its support to the dairy farming production in Cebu. Around P35 million worth of assistance is on the line for the development of the industry this year.

In line with this, the administration of Governor Hilario P. Davide III, received a recognition from the National Dairy Authority (NDA) for its contribution to the industry.

In the governor’s behalf, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) Chief Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy received the award during the NDA 21st anniversary celebration held in Cebu last March 10.

The award speaks about the Capitol’s annual supplemental feeding program implemented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

This year, the program has a P15.6 million budget, P11 million of which is allotted to buy Tetra Pak dairy milk produced by the Cebu Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (Cefedco).

Aside from helping the dairy farmers to earn, the Capitol also allocated around P16 million for the purchase of additional breedable livestocks and equipment.

“The ultimate goal is to increase the number of dairy animals and milk production,” said Dr. Vincoy. The Capitol also echoed the thrust of the national government to promote the local production of milk.

She added that fresh milk is more complete and nutritious compared to powdered milk, which is usually imported.

Dr. Vincoy said the governor has invested a lot in dairy milk production because of the large disparity of supply and demand. She said the country is importing 99 percent of its milk.

In a separate occasion, Gov. Davide encouraged potential investors to invest in milk production. He stated that the goal is to erase the gap between the consumption and production.

Last year, hundreds of cattle, carabaos, and cows were distributed to farmers under the large animal dispersal program of the province. The program will continue with another P6 million worth of large domestic animals to be dispersed.

The bidding of almost P1 million worth of 150 heads of goats for dispersal has also started. The equipment that were being purchased by the Capitol include milking machines, milking canisters, test kits, and other dairy equipment. These will be given to dairy farmers in Cebu.

There are also Artificial Insemination (AI) equipment worth almost P500,000 to be distributed such as straw guns, and thermos with thermometer and retriever.

For the 37 local government units (LGU) implementing artificial insemination (AI), the Capitol will build shaded concrete AI heat centers. Dr. Vincoy said each LGU will get an enhanced AI heat center.

Heat centers are places where AI services are conducted so that the movement of the animal is minimized or controlled. This will also be used during veterinary outreach activities such as vaccination, vitamins supplementation, and deworming.

Each heat center is roughly estimated to cost P200,000 to P300,000.

By Xerxes Alkuino

www.cebu.gov.ph