BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – The municipality of New Lucena in this province has partnered with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) to support agricultural growth, particularly in the dairy sector.
On Friday, Feb. 16, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the NDA and the local government, establishing the foundation for the development of vital infrastructure, such as the NDA-Western Visayas Regional Office with a laboratory, Dairy Feed Center, and Dairy Demo Farm in the municipality.
This cooperative endeavor is a positive step toward developing the region’s dairy sector, promoting economic expansion, and giving farmers the chance to apply sustainable farming methods.
Along with NDA administrator Dr. Gabriel Lagamayo, Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville, Sangguniang Bayan agriculture and cooperative committee chair Jocelyn P. Espia, expressed excitement about the partnership.
Lagamayo underlined how crucial it is to update dairy production facilities and supply enough resources to sustain the expansion of the dairy sector in the area.
NDA-Western Visayas Regional Office will act as a center for training, research, and extension activities, providing the region’s dairy producers with important tools and assistance. The Dairy Feed Center’s construction will meet the urgent need for premium feed, guaranteeing dairy cattle the best possible nutrition and increasing output.
The Dairy Demo Farm will also function as an educational venue, displaying cutting-edge technologies, sustainable farming techniques, and best practices in dairy production. Farmers will receive technical support and practical training to enhance their abilities and raise their harvests.
The partnership between the NDA and the municipality of New Lucena is a determined attempt to advance food security, rural development, and sustainable agriculture in the area.
It marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards harnessing the full potential of the dairy sector, driving economic growth, and fostering a thriving agricultural landscape in New Lucena, Iloilo, and beyond./PN
