NDA pushes for digitalization to improve regulatory operations

MANILA, Philippines — The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is seeking P140.5 million to fund its digitalization program, which can streamline its regulatory services and consolidate information from satellite offices.

Under Republic Act 12308 or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, the NDA is now mandated to issue and regulate the release of Licenses to Operate (LTO) for dairy processors and Certificates of Product Registration (CPR) for dairy products.

NDA administrator Marcus Andaya said that digitalization is necessary to enable the agency to deliver responsive, transparent and efficient regulatory services to dairy stakeholders.

“The dairy industry is rapidly evolving, and our regulatory systems must keep pace with the needs of stakeholders,” Andaya added.

The modernization of NDA services is expected to strengthen food safety oversight, improve monitoring of milk feeding programs, enhance data-driven decision-making and improve ease of doing business and support the government’s digital transformation.

The program will allow dairy processors and other regulated entities to submit applications online, upload their documentary requirements, track application status, receive automated notifications and access regulatory records.

The move will also significantly reduce transaction costs, lessen administrative burdens and improve ease of doing business within the dairy sector.

Other proposals also include creating a secure and unified network that could connect all central, regional and satellite offices nationwide. This ensures accessible information and coordination in all NDA offices.

The agency’s digitalization initiative forms part of its Tier 2 budget proposal for 2027, which will be submitted for consideration during the budget review process starting in August.

“Approval of the proposal will enable the agency to establish the digital infrastructure needed to effectively implement its expanded regulatory mandate and respond to the growing needs of industry stakeholders,” the NDA said.