National Dairy Authority joins SOXAARRDEC aiming to strengthen dairy research

PHILIPPINES – The National Dairy Authority, a government agency that promotes dairy, has joined the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) to strengthen dairy research and development efforts in the region.

The NDA Southern Mindanao Department joined SOXAARRDEC during the recent Regional Research and Development Coordinating Committee (RRDCC) meeting held at the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST) in Doroluman, Arakan, Cotabato Province.

Dr. Rayan I. Ysulat, a veterinarian and officer-in-charge manager of NDA Southern Mindanao, represented the agency at the meeting, emphasising the NDA’s commitment to advancing the Philippine dairy industry.

Ysulat highlighted that the NDA’s participation in SOXAARRDEC aligns with its mandate under Republic Act 7884, which tasks the agency with accelerating dairy industry development through comprehensive programs.

These initiatives include dairy animal distribution, technical assistance in breeding and animal health, establishment of processing facilities, development of feed centres, facilitation of market linkage, and access to credit facilities.

By joining SOXAARRDEC, NDA aims to empower smallholder farmers further, enabling them to thrive as dairy entrepreneurs while promoting food security through the production of safe, high-quality milk.

“With our vision to achieve 5 per cent local milk sufficiency by 2028, NDA stands ready to partner with SOXAARRDEC and Region XII in transforming the agricultural landscape of Mindanao through profitable and resilient dairy farming enterprises that improve both farmer livelihoods and community,” Ysulat emphasised.

The partnership will facilitate research-driven solutions, enhance dairy farming resilience, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Region XII.

SOXAARRDEC, based at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, plays a vital role in research, development, and extension (RDE) efforts in the region.

As a consortium under the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), it coordinates and monitors research initiatives among member institutions to ensure alignment with national priorities.

It also promotes the dissemination and commercialisation of research outputs to benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders.

With the NDA now part of SOXAARRDEC, the consortium is poised to drive further advancements in dairy research and development, fostering a more sustainable and profitable agricultural landscape in Mindanao.

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