P40-M feed center to boost Western Visayas’ dairy industry

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A significant development in the dairy sector is underway in New Lucena town, as it is poised to host a PHP40-million feed center following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the local government and the National Dairy Authority (NDA).

This signals a promising venture set to enhance the dairy industry across the entire Western Visayas region.

The signing ceremony, attended by NDA Administrator Dr. Gabriel L. Lagamayo and New Lucena Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville, marked the official start of the project.

Witnessed by NDA OIC Assistant Manager Vicente B. Bitolinamisa III and representatives of the Western Visayas Dairy Farmers Confederation, the event underscored the joint efforts to advance the region’s agricultural landscape.

Spanning a 3-hectare property within the municipality, the infrastructure will feature key facilities, including the NDA regional office building, a feed center equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for feed and milk, and a dedicated training center.

Dr. Lagamayo stressed the importance of securing farmer partnerships to ensure the initiative’s sustainability, with the potential for future enhancements to be undertaken by these stakeholders.

Once operational, the feed center is expected to produce significant outputs, including 250 tons of corn silage and 50 tons of pelletized concentrates monthly.

This substantial production capacity is anticipated to establish the municipality as a key player in driving livestock development in the region, in line with the mayor’s vision.

Meanwhile, NDA OIC Assistant Manager Bitolinamisa highlighted the impressive growth trajectory of the Western Visayas’ dairy industry, noting a commendable 6 percent annual increase in production and herd inventory over the past three years. (With reports from PNA)