Cebu's dairy buffalo boom fuels local milk production and jobs

Cebu Province is expanding its dairy buffalo enterprise programme to boost local milk production and create new business opportunities. The initiative, led by the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), will introduce a 'dairy box' model in Talisay City, with neighbouring Sibonga also showing interest in joining. The programme builds on earlier dairy projects in Pinamungahan and Compostela, where farmers initially worked with dairy cows before shifting to buffaloes. Now, PCC 7 has allocated 50 female dairy buffaloes, valued at P4 million per module, for distribution to at least two approved farmers' groups in Cebu.

Under the scheme, local government units (LGUs) will contribute land or structures worth around P500,000 as part of a tripartite agreement. Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has also proposed a P3.5-million plan to fund fully equipped dairy processing facilities. These hubs will produce commercial dairy products like fresh milk, kiseyo, mozzarella, ice cream, yogurt, and pastillas. In Talisay City, a local women’s association will manage the new dairy box enterprise. Any surplus milk generated will support municipal health programmes, particularly children’s supplemental feeding initiatives.

The expansion aims to strengthen agricultural processing in Cebu while increasing milk supply for local needs. With structured funding, infrastructure support, and community involvement, the programme sets the stage for sustainable dairy production across the province.