Business Bayani PH

The Philippines is poised for a significant increase in domestic milk production with the approval of a P2 billion project by Metro Pacific Dairy Farms, Inc. (MPDF). 

This initiative, slated to launch in March 2025, aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported dairy products and cater to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.

The Board of Investments (BOI) greenlighted MPDF’s project, which will be located in Laguna. MPDF’s state-of-the-art facility will house 1,000 cows and is expected to produce 6.5 million liters of raw milk annually. This significant addition aims to bridge the gap in the Philippines’ domestic dairy production.

“We at the BOI are excited about the introduction of advanced dairy farming technology, which promises to deliver superior quality and production efficiency while significantly boosting local dairy and plant-based beverage production,” said Ceferino S. Rodolfo, BOI managing head and trade undersecretary.

Currently, the Philippines imports 99% of its dairy needs, according to the National Dairy Authority. This project is a crucial step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in milk production and ensuring Filipinos have access to fresh, high-quality local dairy products.

“This initiative is a crucial stride towards enhancing our food security and reducing our dependence on imported milk,” added Rodolfo.

Beyond traditional dairy production, MPDF’s project also plans to address the rising consumer interest in plant-based dairy alternatives. 

While details on the plant-based production aspect haven’t been disclosed, the BOI estimates the project could boost the Philippines’ plant-based milk production capacity by 12%.

According to a Rapid Industry Appraisal commissioned by the BOI, the Philippines’ current production capacity for plant-based milk sits at around 24.4 million liters. 

MPDF’s project has the potential to push this capacity to 27.4 million liters annually, potentially meeting 95% of the forecasted demand of 28.8 million liters by 2025.

This project signifies a potential turning point for the Philippines’ dairy industry. By combining innovative Israeli technology with increased domestic production, MPDF’s initiative could reshape the country’s dairy landscape, offering Filipinos more choices and potentially greater food security.Ⓒ