Quezon City — Despite the absence of dairy animal importation since 2023, the country’s’ domestic milk production rose to 43.3 million liters in 2025, a 48.8-percent increase from 29.1 million liters in 2023, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA).
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed milk output climbed from 38.6 million liters in 2024 to 43.3 million liters in 2025, while the value of dairy production increased by 27.7 percent to Php 1.667 billion from Php 1.305 billion over the same period.
NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius Andaya attributed the growth to the agency’s dairy development programs, particularly in animal nutrition, herd expansion, and farm management.
“The substantial growth in milk production reflects the effectiveness of our dairy development programs,” Andaya said, noting that the gains were achieved without importing dairy animals for three years. “This highlights improvements in productivity and herd performance at the farm level.”
Milk production from carabao increased by 24 percent, driven by the continued contributions of the Philippine Carabao Center, private farms, and non-cooperative member farmers. Output from cattle and goats also rose by 4 percent and 27 percent, respectively, supported by programs under the NDA’s oversight.
The country’s total dairy animal inventory expanded by 5 percent, from 154,252 head to 161,868 head, further supporting higher production levels.
Andaya said the increase in output raised the country’s milk sufficiency level to 2.22 percent, bringing it closer to the government’s target of 5 percent milk sufficiency by 2028.
The NDA also cited the enactment of Republic Act No. 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, as a key factor supporting the sector. The law strengthens the institutional framework for livestock and dairy development by promoting competitiveness and streamlining animal health and breeding programs.
Looking ahead, the NDA said it remains optimistic about further gains in 2026 as additional stock farms become operational. Four stock farms are set to open this year in Ubay, Bohol; Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Carmen, Cotabato; and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The first stock farm was inaugurated in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in November 2025.
“With the operation of our stock farms and the planned importation of 870 dairy cattle this year, we are confident these initiatives will further boost milk production,” Andaya pointed out.
Under RA 12308, the NDA has also assumed expanded regulatory functions over local dairy activities and products. Regulatory powers previously exercised by the Food and Drug Administration for locally produced dairy have been transferred to the NDA.
The agency is now authorized to issue Certificates of Product Registration for locally produced dairy products and Licenses to Operate for dairy processing plants. These functions are currently under a transition arrangement, with the NDA carrying out licensing and registration under the supervision of the Bureau of Animal Industry.
The FDA retains authority over imported dairy products and activities with non-local scope.
“Strengthening the role of the NDA allows us to better oversee locally produced milk, from the farm to the consumer,” Andaya said.
The NDA said it will continue to support farmers through herd development and productivity-enhancing programs to ensure the long-term growth of the domestic dairy industry.