TAGBILARAN CITY – The province of Bohol has increased its milk production and dairy products by milking cows and carabaos to 423,948 liters of raw milk in 2024 from 367,921 liters in 2023, according to office of Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) during the 9th Dairy festival held in Candijay town, Augst 13, 2025.
In his speech Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros has said, “Bohol is not just tarsiers and Chocolate Hills. It is a model for circular agri-enterprise — from grass to glass, showing how clustering can help cooperatives and associations prosper.” He pointed out the role of dairy industry in Bohol in national food security.
The provincial Bohol Dairy Program (Gatas Bol-anon program) is being supported by the provincial government by pouring some P10 million to it along with some 30,000 carabaos and another 30,000 cattle and goat-breeders provided to increase the herd stock. To sustain the program the provincial government has tried to sustain the program by investing ₱6.8 million this year for expansion, milking parlors and food-grade equipment, Gov. Aris Aumentado said in his speech.
In separate interview, DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar bared that the national government has allotted P11.9 billion for feeding program and Php1.9 billion of this go to milk feeding in schools nation-wide.
The milk produced this year reached to 195,340 liters (Jan-May) this year. This is worth Php12,246,077.07. Last year’s produce of 423,948 liters is amounted to Php25,632,889.30.
Aside from DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also contributed to the program by chipping in Php25,753,088.00, benefiting 862 schools or 22,284 school kids.
The milk production in the country is only 2%, hence, there’s a big potential and opportunity for improvement, said National Dairy Authority administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius Andaya in his speech.
“We have seen the great potential that the dairy industry holds in enhancing rural development and farmer empowerment,” said Gov. Amentado.
Bohol is one of the five places having its own over 600-ha. stock farm located in Ubay town, where carabaos and cattle are herded.
Candijay Mayor Thamar Olaivar stressed in her welcome remarks, urging everyone to throw support the dairy sector since, “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. They deserve our full support.”
There are now 11 municipalities, Ubay, Mabini, Alicia, Trinidad, Talibon, San Miguel, Dagohoy, Tubigon, Catigbian, Candijay and Loon, considered as milk-producing, contributing to overall dairy yield, OPV said. (Ric Obedencio)
