SAN SIMON, Pampanga – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Farm Fresh Milk Plant in Pampanga, a ₱312.5-million facility expected to strengthen the local dairy industry, reduce dependence on imports, and generate more jobs for Filipinos.

Speaking at the Global Aseana Business Park 2, Marcos stressed the importance of milk in both nutrition and the economy, saying it is a vital component in food and manufacturing.

“Hindi man palaging napapansin, ngunit napakahalaga ng gatas sa ating kalusugan at sa ating ekonomiya… Ang paglaki at pag-develop ng ating kabataan ay nakasalalay sa tamang nutrisyon, kabilang na (rito) ang galing sa gatas,” the President said.

The Farm Fresh Milk Inc. facility is projected to produce 32 million liters of pasteurized milk and 2.4 million liters of yogurt annually, providing sustainable income for farmers and farm workers across Pampanga and nearby provinces.

Marcos lauded Farm Fresh’s role in supporting the government’s drive to expand local production of dairy products. “Through your efforts, more Filipino farmers, veterinarians can now have a more stable and dignified job,” he said, urging the company to continue expanding operations to benefit communities.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Dairy Industry Development Program under Republic Act 7884, which has distributed more than 1,000 local cattle and 275 dairy goats to nearly 400 farmers nationwide. The program also provides loans, dairy animals, and training in dairy management and breeding.

He said the government is also studying ways to further increase dairy output and attract more investments into the sector. “Makakaasa kayo na naririto ang pamahalaan upang magpatupad ng mga programang magpapabilis sa ating pag-proseso ng dairy products,” Marcos added.

Farm Fresh Milk Inc., the Philippine subsidiary of Malaysia’s Farm Fresh Berhad, built the 5,700-square meter plant with support from Philippine and Malaysian officials. The President was joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, and Farm Fresh executives.

During his visit, Marcos toured the plant with 15 grade school students from San Pablo Elementary School.

From July 2022 to June 2025, the government’s Milk Feeding Program supplied 19.35 million liters of locally produced milk to 3.37 million children under the joint implementation of the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.