The National Dairy Authority (NDA), established on March 12, 1995, is the Philippines’ lead government agency tasked with the development and regulation of the national dairy industry. Operating under the Department of Agriculture, NDA’s mission is to ensure milk sufficiency and enhance the livelihoods of Filipino dairy farmers through effective policy formulation, herd development, and public engagement programs.
Core Mandate and Service Offerings
As a regulatory and development body, the National Dairy Authority delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services across the dairy value chain. Its key programs include:
-
Policy and Regulatory Oversight:
- Development of policies to strengthen the domestic dairy sector
- Implementation of milk quality assurance protocols
- Regulation of dairy imports and support for local dairy enterprise
-
Herd Build-up and Breeding:
- Genetic improvement programs for dairy cattle
- Importation and distribution of high-yielding dairy breeds
- Artificial insemination and forage development initiatives
-
Milk Feeding Program:
- Provides locally produced milk to undernourished school children
- Supports the “GatasPinas” campaign for local milk consumption
- Involves cooperatives and smallholder farmers in supply
-
Dairy Technical Services:
- On-site farm technical support and training
- Extension services for milking, animal health, and nutrition
-
Public Outreach:
- Dairy Café initiative to promote dairy awareness through experiential exhibits
- Information dissemination through schools, community centers, and trade fairs
Specialization and Strategic Position
The NDA is uniquely positioned as a policy-implementing authority with operational capacity in fieldwork and community-based support. Its strategic focus on both regulatory enforcement and capacity-building enables the NDA to shape national milk sufficiency policies while directly empowering grassroots stakeholders.
Through its “GatasPinas” campaign, the NDA actively encourages consumption of fresh, local milk, thereby increasing demand for locally sourced dairy and reducing dependency on imports.
Operational Reach and Infrastructure
The NDA operates nationwide through regional offices located in:
- North Luzon
- South Luzon
- Visayas
- Northern Mindanao
- Southern Mindanao
This regional structure allows for tailored services that consider local climate, breed preferences, and community needs.
Impact and Performance Indicators
While the NDA is a non-commercial entity, its contributions are reflected in national dairy development metrics:
- Milk production in the Philippines increased by 2.09% in 2023, reaching over 30 million liters, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
- Over 80 dairy cooperatives have received technical and logistical support from NDA.
- Thousands of school children benefit annually from the Milk Feeding Program implemented in partnership with LGUs and DepEd.
- Participation in Livestock Philippines Expo 2024 showcased the agency’s Dairy Café and milk advocacy initiatives.
Digital and Accessibility Initiatives
NDA’s official website complies with ISO 40500 (WCAG 2.0 Accessibility Standard), ensuring that its digital platforms are accessible to all users, including persons with disabilities.
Certifications and Legal Status
- Government Authority under the Department of Agriculture
- ISO 40500 certified for digital accessibility
- Full compliance with Philippine dairy regulations and procurement protocols
Brands and Campaigns
- GatasPinas: A nationwide advocacy promoting fresh local milk and dairy industry support
Customer and Public Perception
The NDA is widely recognized in the agriculture and nutrition sectors as a proactive institution. Its participation in national expos and consistent online presence through educational videos and awareness campaigns has bolstered its credibility and visibility among both farmers and consumers.
Major Achievements
- Establishment of a sustainable milk feeding system using local producers
- Continuous implementation of dairy herd improvement programs nationwide
- Expansion of regional technical service offices and support teams
- Promotion of dairy as a viable livelihood through inclusive community programs
The National Dairy Authority stands as the cornerstone of dairy development in the Philippines, leveraging governance, community support, and public engagement to build a resilient and inclusive local dairy industry.