The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is exploring potential partnerships with Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) to strengthen the local dairy industry. MPAV, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), holds significant stakes in local dairy brands such as Carmen’s Best and Holly’s Milk, and recently expanded its footprint by acquiring Universal Harvester Dairy Farms and constructing a state-of-the-art dairy facility in Laguna.
MPAV CEO Jovy Hernandez expressed commitment to improving local milk production, emphasizing the need for fresh, nutritious dairy products for future generations. Meanwhile, NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya outlined a strategic roadmap to increase milk sufficiency from 1.5 percent to 5 percent by 2028, through expanding the national dairy herd, boosting milk yields, and raising public awareness to support local farmers.
Andaya also noted the potential of MPIC’s investment in dairy as a sign of growth opportunities, as 99 percent of the country’s milk is currently imported. Plans include importing dairy cattle for acclimatization in stock farms and distributing offsprings to farmer beneficiaries. The NDA is set to build five new stock farms nationwide to support this expansion.
