NDA Celebrates 31st Anniversary with Dairy Caravan for Marikina Schoolchildren
MARIKINA CITY — The National Dairy Authority (NDA) marked its 31st anniversary by holding a community outreach activity on March 24, 2026, at Parang Elementary School in Marikina City, benefiting around 500 Grade 2 pupils through a dairy caravan promoting proper nutrition and milk consumption.
The initiative brought together partners from government, the private sector, and the local community to support child nutrition and encourage the habit of drinking milk among Filipino children. It aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize children’s health and wellbeing by strengthening nutrition programs, particularly in underserved communities.
With the support of the local government of Marikina, Nestlé Philippines, and Alaska Milk Corporation, the event included the distribution of milk, cookies, and coloring materials, along with a short program highlighting the importance of milk in children’s growth and development.
The activity is part of NDA’s broader effort to revive milk drinking among schoolchildren while also creating sustainable market opportunities for local dairy farmers by linking their products to feeding programs.
Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, noting that milk plays a vital role in children’s physical and cognitive development. She added that ensuring access to nutritious food contributes to better learning outcomes and a brighter future for Filipino youth.
NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya underscored the agency’s commitment to promoting milk consumption, especially in the face of ongoing concerns such as malnutrition and functional illiteracy. He stressed the importance of instilling healthy dietary habits at an early age.
The event also highlighted the impact of collaboration among sectors in advancing nutrition initiatives while strengthening the local dairy industry.
In 2025, local milk production reached a record 43 million liters, raising dairy sufficiency to 2.2 percent—an increase from 1.66 percent in 2024 and 48 percent higher than 2023 levels.
Looking ahead, the NDA anticipates expanded opportunities for local dairy farmers following the allocation of funds for the 2026 milk feeding program. Of the PHP 3 billion budget, PHP 1.8 billion has been entrusted to the NDA, while PHP 1.2 billion has been allocated to the Philippine Carabao Center. The program is expected to benefit approximately 4.6 million learners nationwide.
The initiative will be implemented under the Sagip Saka Act, which enables government agencies to procure agricultural products directly from local farmers, ensuring a stable market while addressing the nutritional needs of Filipino students.
Among those present at the event were representatives from the local government, the Department of Education, and partner organizations, demonstrating a unified effort to promote child nutrition and agricultural development.
As it celebrates over three decades of service, the NDA reaffirms its commitment to advancing the Philippine dairy industry, improving access to nutritious milk, and supporting both Filipino children and dairy farming communities.
NPO News Team - DA Press Office - PR
