Capitol To Fatten Up Buffalo Milk Production In Compostela

Around P9-10 million worth of assistance plan is drafted to support the women Queseo makers in Barangay Lupa, municipality of Compostela.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, who is seeking reelection this year, is yet to receive the project proposal, which is still being finalized.

Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said she endorsed the project after learning the women association’s difficulty in meeting their market demand. She added that the University of San Carlos was the one tasked to craft the project management plan for the industry.

She summarized that the project covers the production up to its marketing aspect. She said the ultimate goal is to increase the production of carabao milk to support the livelihood in Lupa.

Corollary to it, Vincoy said they also sighted the agri-tourism potential of the industry. She stated that a processing plant would be established along the national highway. Beside the plant will be a stopover shop for buses and private vehicles. The one-stop shop will be used as the showroom of different products made out of buffalo milk.

“This is a first multiplier farm that we will establish in Cebu. If successful, this could be replicated in other areas,” she added.

Queseo or cheese, which is produced out of fresh carabao milk, is the main product. Queseo is a product native to Compostela.

Carabao milk is also used for production of yogurt, pastillas, ice cream, among others.

At present, the association only has 12 carabaos. The Capitol intends to add 25 milking buffalo heads and provide trainings for the Lupa women’s association.

The initial project proposal was already presented in front of Capitol executive officials and private panelists who made suggestions for the final output. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry also asked the students to carve out a business plan.

The Provincial Administrator/Human Resource Management Office initiated the activity.

By Xerxes Alkuino

www.cebu.gov.ph