via GRAPHIC PLUS | MARIKINA CITY — The National Dairy Authority (NDA) marked its 31st anniversary with a meaningful Dairy Caravan held recently at Parang Elementary School, benefiting at least 500 Grade 2 pupils through a nutrition-focused outreach program.

The initiative brought together key stakeholders from government and the private sector, including Nestlé Philippines and Alaska Milk Corporation, in promoting the importance of milk consumption among Filipino children.

Aligned with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to safeguard children’s health and wellbeing, the NDA continues to strengthen its community-based nutrition programs by integrating the health benefits of milk into school initiatives—helping improve children’s nutritional intake while easing long-term healthcare costs for families.

The activity was conducted with the support of Mayor Maan Teodoro, reinforcing the city’s commitment to child development and public health. In addition to milk distribution, the program included educational sessions highlighting the role of proper nutrition in children’s growth and learning.

For the NDA, the caravan underscores its mission to promote milk consumption and address persistent challenges such as malnutrition and functional illiteracy. The agency also emphasized the importance of linking local dairy farmers to institutional markets to ensure sustainability in the industry.

As part of the program, Atty. Sheryl Christine V. Lagrosas, newly appointed Head of Government and Industry Affairs of Nestlé Philippines, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing child nutrition through strong public-private partnerships.

For Nestlé Philippines, strengthened partnerships with government agencies advancing child nutrition initiatives reinforces their ESG commitments and their purpose of unlocking the power of food to improve quality of life for Filipino families.

The event also highlighted the growing momentum of the local dairy sector. In 2025, local milk production reached 43 million liters, marking a significant increase from previous years and signaling improved dairy sufficiency nationwide.

With the continued implementation of the milk feeding program under the Sagip Saka Act, the NDA is optimistic about expanding access to locally sourced milk for millions of learners across the country—creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both children and Filipino dairy farmers.

As it celebrates over three decades of service, the NDA remains steadfast in its commitment to improving nutrition outcomes, strengthening the dairy industry, and fostering partnerships that deliver lasting impact to communities nationwide.