Victorias City empowered its local carabao dairy production industry with the inauguration of a Dairy Box and Carabao Pen at the Bangga Daan Satellite Market and Hda. San Antonio, respectively, on Thursday, April 18.
The Dairy Box located at the Barangay I Satellite Market is the first one-stop outlet for carabao dairy products in the whole province of Negros Occidental.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the blessing and inauguration ceremony with Senator Mark Villar.
Benitez described the ceremony as the “Great Victorias Cow Moo-vement [Movement],” as he emphasized that they are not just launching facilities, they are laying the foundation for a future of prosperity and health in the city.
“These projects are not merely infrastructural achievements, they are beacons of hope. They symbolize our commitment to nurturing our land, our animals, and most importantly, our people,” he added.
Benitez also stressed how fresh carabao milk really makes a difference in children’s growth and its potential to combat malnutrition.
Villar commended the City Mayor and the LGU for their groundbreaking initiatives and emphasized the impact of Dairy Box in the local community.
“The Dairy Box will serve as a support infrastructure for the processing and marketing of carabao milk. We are looking forward to this bringing additional income for our carabao farmers because this will be a one-stop shop for various products made from carabao milk such as flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, and others more," Villar said. Both infrastructure projects were turned over to the San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFMPC), a press release from Victorias City said.
SAFMPC is the conduit partner of the LGU which will manage and operate the Dairy Box.
Meanwhile, the Carabao Pen is a dignified facility for animals and livestock raisers of SAFMPC that promises to maximize potential and minimize losses in the local farming industry.
“Carabao Pen stands as a testament to our dedication to improving livestock management and agricultural practices. It will enhance the livelihoods of our local farmers, providing them with the resources and training they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market,” Benitez said.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, city councilors, punong barangays, and department heads were all present during the activity to show their support, the press release said.
Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro Salces, Center Director Eva Alvarez, Department of Agriculture Regional Office VI RTD for Operations and Extension Jose Albert Barrogo, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana were among the guests of the ceremony.
SAFMPC members led by their Chairperson Rey Barreto were also present.
They received the Dairy Box certificate from the PCC together with Benitez representing the LGU.
A milk toasting led by Benitez, Villar, and other guests also took place during the program.
The Dairy Box and Carabao Pen are part of the Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) Project under the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, the Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food.
These projects were spearheaded by the Victorias City Veterinary Office led by their current OIC Allen Joy G. Panes, RMT, and were initiated by former City Veterinarian Dr. John Michael Cabuguason. *