BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
ECHAGUE, Isabela (August 13)—The Isabela State University (ISU) will soon be a base for the National Dairy Authority–Northern Luzon Department (NDA-NLD) to boost its research and development (R&D) efforts for the dairy industry in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and neighboring areas.
ISU President Ricmar Aquino said the NDA-NLD is currently maintaining its presence at Marilao in Bulacan and catering to NDA’s satellite offices in Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan and Isabela. The Marilao office will relocate to ISU, he added.
NDA Deputy Administrator Farrell Benjelix Magtoto said the agency is mandated to ensure the accelerated development of the Philippine dairy industry through policy direction and program implementation.
He said the Philippine dairy industry is also crucial in molding the country’s future leaders.
“We are investing in the brain of our future leaders, and that we are encouraging all state universities and colleges and local government units to invest in the dairy industry, which can have a great impact on the economy,” Magtoto said.
Aquino said the relocation of NDA-NLD will also help the university increase its dairy production and contribute to the program of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to increase the supply of dairy products in Cagayan Valley and the whole country.
“We are eyeing a potential market of the dairy milk in the province of Isabela as the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Rodolfo Albano 3rd who has its program on the provision of fresh milk to the teachers and the students of the province,” he said.
The proposed office of NDA-NLD at ISU-Echague was recommended by William Medrano, the former ISU R&D, extension and training (RDET) vice president and now Agriculture assistant secretary for livestock.
Orlando Balderama, the current ISU RDET vice president, said he believes the university’s collaboration with NDA-NLD is very significant as it helps the DA’s programs for food security and poverty alleviation.
“I believe that the presence of NDA-NLD in Echague will complement the mandate of the university and will make ISU a vital contributor to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Balderama said.