Manila: The National Dairy Authority (NDA) on Friday reported a steady growth in the country's milk production and dairy cattle population. In a statement, NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya highlighted this year's progress, citing the results of the government's continuous efforts to boost local milk sufficiency in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, Andaya noted that for the longest time, the country's milk sufficiency hovered at just 1 percent. However, it is now nearing 2 percent. He attributed this improvement to the guidance and commitment of President Marcos Jr., which have been crucial in advancing efforts toward dairy self-sufficiency. The NDA is currently holding the Dairy Fair activity ahead of the celebration of World Milk Day on June 1.

Andaya expressed gratitude for the leadership of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., whose support has been instrumental in strengthening the local dairy industry. For the first quarter of the year, the national milk production saw an 11 percent increase, reaching 9.58 million liters from 8.67 million liters for the same period in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Of the total milk production, 7.56 million liters were produced from dairy cattle, goats, and carabaos under the NDA's assistance and monitoring. The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) contributed 1.24 million liters. This development puts the country on track for a 2.5 percent local milk sufficiency by the end of the year.

The NDA also reported a 30 percent increase in the dairy cattle population and a 9 percent increase for dairy goats under the NDA's Dairy Herd Build-Up Program. The NDA is intensifying efforts to achieve at least 5 percent local milk sufficiency by the end of President Marcos' term in 2028.