The Victorias city government is empowering its local carabao dairy production industry with the inauguration of the Dairy Box, and Carabao Pen at the Bangga Daan Satellite Market and Hda. San Antonio, respectively, April 18.
The Dairy Box, located at Barangay I Satellite Market, is the first one-stop outlet for carabao dairy products in the Negros Occidental.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the blessing and inauguration ceremony with Senator Mark Villar, and described the event as the “Great Victorias Carabao Moo-vement (Movement)”.
He emphasized that they are not just launching facilities, they are laying the foundation for a future of prosperity and health in the city.
“These projects are not merely infrastructural achievements; they are beacons of hope. They symbolize our commitment to nurturing our land, our animals, and most importantly, our people,” the mayor added as he stressed how fresh carabao milk makes a difference in a child’s growth and its potential to combat malnutrition.
Villar commended Benitez and the Victorias LGU for their groundbreaking initiatives and emphasized the impact of Dairy Box in the community.
“Ang Dairy Box ay magsisilbing support infrastructure para sa processing at marketing ng gatas ng kalabaw. We are looking forward na ito ay maging karagdagang income para sa ating mga carabao farmers dahil ito po ay magiging one-stop shop para sa iba’t-ibang produkto na gawa sa gatas ng kalabaw tulad ng flavored milk, yogurt, cheese, at iba pa,” he said.
Both infrastructure projects were turned over to the San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFMPC), the city said in a press release.
The SAFMPC is the conduit partner of the LGU which will manage and operate the Dairy Box.
The Carabao Pen, meanwhile, is a dignified facility for animals and livestock raisers of SAFMPC that promises to maximize potential and minimize losses in the local farming industry, the city said.
“Carabao Pen stands as a testament to our dedication to improving livestock management and agricultural practices. It will enhance the livelihoods of our local farmers, providing them with the resources and training they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market,” Benitez said.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, city councilors, punong barangays, and department heads were present during the activity, as well as Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) deputy executive director Dr. Caro Salces, center director Eva Alvarez, Department of Agriculture Regional Office VI RTD for Operations and Extension Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana, among others.
SAFMPC members, led by their chairperson Rey Barreto, received the Dairy Box certificate from the PCC and Mayor Javi.
The Dairy Box and Carabao Pen are part of the Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network Project under the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
These projects were spearheaded by the Victorias City Veterinary Office, led by OIC Allen Joy Panes, and initiated by former city veterinarian, Dr. John Michael Cabuguason. ||
