Negros Occidental stages 16th Nat’l Dairy Congress

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — The province of Negros Occidental will host the 16th Dairy Congress and Exposition from Feb. 7 to 9 at the Bacolod Pavilion Resort Hotel and Restaurant, to be attended by about 400 participants representing the dairy and livestock industries.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the choice of the province as congress host is a recognition by the Dairy Confederation of the Philippines, headed by Juan Lozano, that the dairy and livestock sectors in Negros Occidental are alive and well.

“With the arrival of experts and industry leaders for the national event, Negros Occidental will be on the dairy and livestock map again. This is a rare opportunity for us to showcase our Negros First Livestock Development Program,” the governor said.

The Provincial Veterinary Office reported that Negros Occidental has posted an increase of 16.5 percent in its dairy cattle population in 2012 compared to 2011.

Provincial dairy coordinator Saturnino Dayanan also reported that milk production per cattle here averages 8.2 liters per day.

“The efficiency in milk production which gives additional income to many farmers and the rise of cattle population last year are clear indicators that prospects are better for the local dairy sector,” Marañon said.

The Dairy Congress and its event partner, Negros Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NEFEDACO), are thanking the provincial chief executive for accepting the hosting rights.

Coordinating the staging of the national congress with Dairy Con and NEFEDACO is Dr. Renante Decena, head of the Provincial Veterinarian Office.

Decena said the event is also a venue for local dairy and livestock stakeholders, including farmers and beneficiaries, to join the expo and various activities.

Between 20 to 30 booths will be made available for Bacolod City and Negros-based exhibitors, said Decena, adding that they are inviting former senator Ramon Magsaysay, a staunch dairy advocate to keynote the event. —(FREEMAN)