A new one-stop shop offering fresh carabao milk and dairy products officially opened in Barangay Trinidad, Surigao City on Wednesday as part of a government initiative to support local farmers and improve community nutrition.

The Dairy Box, a project of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, was launched in collaboration with the Surigao City government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The facility aims to ensure a consistent supply of nutritious dairy products while creating market opportunities for local farmers.

Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II and PCC Bukidnon Center Director Lowell Paraguas handed over the facility to the Trinidad Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (TSLPA), which will manage its daily operations.

TSLPA president Elsie Cayangcang and Barangay Captain Josie Pecho received the transfer during a ceremony attended by local officials, PCC officials, and community members.

“As a support, we urge our residents to buy the dairy products from the Dairy Box. By patronizing these local products, we are also supporting the TSLPA in its efforts to thrive their livelihood project,” Dumlao said.

Before the turnover, TSLPA members were trained on Aug. 13-14 to produce carabao milk products, such as yogurt, chocolate milk, fresh milk, cheese, and pastillas.

“This is a great opportunity for us to improve our lives, and we are ready to make this project flourish through the technical support given to us by the government,” Cayangcang said.

The Dairy Box is part of PCC’s broader effort to promote carabao-based enterprises and strengthen rural economies through sustainable agriculture. (PNA)