El Salvador City: The Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) inaugurated a PHP3.6 million administration building in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, on Wednesday. The initiative received support from the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

According to Philippines News Agency, NDA 10 (Northern Mindanao) Manager Jester John Jadap stated that the upgraded facility is designed to enhance dairy production and support the cooperative's operations. Jadap emphasized the 38-year legacy of NMFDC, with particular attention to its 'Highland Fresh' product line, which is in the process of obtaining ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification. He expressed confidence in the quality of the products as Highland Fresh advances towards this certification.

Established in 1987, the NMFDC has developed into a successful cooperative, achieving national recognition. It currently includes seven primary cooperatives and one associate cooperative operating in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

DOST-10 Director Romela Ratilla discussed the agency's role in enhancing the cooperative's technological capabilities. She stated that DOST-10 continues to monitor the processing plant's mechanisms to foster innovation, noting that Highland Fresh serves as an example of how micro, small, and medium enterprises can transition to commercial markets.