LUNA, Apayao – The provincial government organized a two-day Milk Processing Training in collaboration with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) based at the Cagayan State University (CSU)in Tuguegarao on Sep. 19-20 at Agri-Vet Training Center Provincial Veterinary Office, San Gregorio Luna, Apayao.
Fifteen yApayaos underwent and successfully completed said training in a bid to contribute to and bolster the dairy industry in the province. They also received a dairy box, package kitchen utensils and freezer from the PCC. The main purpose of the training is to strengthen the value chain in dairy production and be utilized to mitigate malnutrition.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Ralph Verzon said’ the training is part of the season- long training of participants under the Farmer Livestock School on Ruminant Production.
Verzon said the hands-on training is very important for the participants to hone their skills in dairy processing. Processing of dairy products gives small-scale dairy producers higher cash income than selling raw milk and offers opportunities for a better market. It can also help to deal with seasonal fluctuations in milk supply.
“The transformation of raw milk into processed milk and products can benefit entire communities by generating jobs in milk collection, processing and marketing. Processed milk converts further into high-value dairy by-products, providing smallholder farmers, and cooperative members an alternative source of income,” explains Verzon.
Verzon added that “With this milestone, we are very grateful for the support of our beloved Gov. Elias C. Bulut Jr., Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Senator Cynthia Villar and Dr. Rovina Piñera, the Center Director of Philippine Carabao Center Region 2.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sarah Angelica Bautista Laboratory Assistant/Processor of the PCC Tuguegarao served as the participants mentor in milk processing wherein she explained the proper procedures in milk handling, testing and processing of pasteurized milk and flavored milks.
She added it aims to equip processors with the knowledge needed on how to process locally produced carabao milk here in Apayao.
Monique Guzman, one of the trainees, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and support given by the provincial government and PCC-Tuguegarao. Monique said, “this training taught me important skills like handling equipment, materials, and myself with care, it has also been extremely helpful for me and my fellow trainees.”
During the hands-on training, the participants followed procedures in making pasteurized milk, flavored milk (chocolate, buko pandan, and melon), flavored yogurt, and white cheese from raw milk. The finished products are now available at Agri-Vet Training Center Provincial Veterinary Office, San Gregorio Luna, Apayao. By Loremia Pareja
