QUEZON CITY -- Agriculture Secretary William Dar challenged the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to aim for higher milk production volume during its 29th anniversary, March 25.

In comparison to the 20- to 30-liter daily milk production in the United States and the United Kingdom, Dar shared that the Philippines’ daily milk production pales with just eight liters.

The secretary further elaborated that proper implementation of PCC’s research programs and outputs, coupled with investments by the private sector, is key to improving milk production in the country.

“The demand for milk is really huge, and I believe that PCC can contribute to this. The PCC will be more relevant than ever, but there is also the challenge to accelerate carabao milk production today, as well as meat production and product development,” Dar elaborated.

The PCC, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), celebrated its 29th year at the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija with the theme, “PCC at 29: Achieving Milestones through Grit and Resiliency”.

The DA chief thanked the PCC for its “ardent contribution to a sound livestock and dairy industry through innovation, strong partnerships, and entrepreneurships.”

This year’s them, he said, highlights the Center’s “sheer determination in pursuit of a robust sector when demonstrating resiliency in the midst of challenges.”

DA Undersecretary for Livestock William Medrano also acknowledged the Center’s “continuing dedication to excellence, striving always not only to meet expectations, but also exceeding them time and again.”

For his part, PCC’s OIC-Executive Director Ronnie Domingo presented the 2021 Philippine Statistics Authority data, showing a total carabao population of 2.84 million (M). Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Luzon recorded the highest population.

The Philippine carabao industry also recorded a total production volume of 92.91 million metric tons (liveweight) for 2021. Top producing regions include Western Visayas, Davao Region, and Eastern Visayas.

For its 29th year, PCC will focus on priority programs including the implementation of the Carabao Industry Roadmap for 2020-2025 and other projects through the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, provision of assistance in the implementation of the School-based Milk Feeding Program, execution of the Coconut-Carabao Development Project as well as various dairy amounting to a total of P512M.

The agency will also engage more private entrepreneurs to mainstream and commercialize dairy-based products.

Created in 1992 in accordance with the Republic Act 7307, PCC is mandated “to conserve, propagate, and promote the Carabao as a source of milk, meat, draft power, and hide to benefit the rural farmers.” (KYAVergara, DA-AFID)