By Marisol Bo-oc, Helen Castaño | 07:42 PM June 23, 2025
Ubay, Bohol — A proposed modern dairy farm in Ubay is a step closer to reality as the National Dairy Authority (NDA) partners with French consultancy firm Phylum SARL to conduct a feasibility study for the Philippine Dairy Project.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the study, funded by a grant from the French government’s Fonds d’Etudes et d’Aide au Secteur Privé (FASEP), will determine the viability of securing a concessional loan from France to jumpstart the ambitious project.
The planned dairy facility in Ubay envisions housing over 300 cows for milk production and a processing plant capable of handling up to 10 metric tons of raw milk daily. It will serve as a flagship project in Bohol, aiming to strengthen local milk supply chains and improve dairy infrastructure.
In addition to the farm, the project includes collaboration with local cooperatives for milk and fodder production, training programs, and establishing milk collection centers and processing facilities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Phylum Managing Partner Francois Gary formalized the agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing witnessed by French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya.
The initiative reflects Bohol’s growing importance in national food security programs, as the province continues to position itself as a key agricultural hub in Central Visayas.
Currently, the Philippines produces only 1.66% of its milk supply locally, with the NDA targeting a 5% sufficiency rate—or 80 million liters annually—by 2028. Poor feed management, high production costs, and lack of infrastructure have limited the country’s dairy growth.
The NDA hopes that this international partnership and planned investment in Bohol will help modernize local dairy farming, create livelihood opportunities, and boost the province’s agricultural economy.
