Nurturing Dairy Expertise: Milagros Empowers Local Industry with Innovative Seminar and Training Event

Milagros, known for its rich cattle heritage, is making strides towards progress with a dynamic seminar and training event. By tapping into the potential of its local dairy sector and fortifying the economy, the community is embracing empowerment. From July 19th to 21st, the event took place at the Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Dairy Processing in Milagros, Masbate – a facility generously provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Masbate to the SSF beneficiaries. This event was collaboratively organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) Milagros and DTI Masbate to emphasize their shared commitment in enhancing local dairy expertise and promoting economic resilience within the community. This was accomplished under the leadership and expertise of DTI Masbate’s OIC-Provincial Director Victor Emmanuel S. Castro, Business Development Division Head Girlie G. Fruelda, together with Municipal Mayor, Honorable Natividad Isabel R. Magbalon, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Jessica F. Madrijelos, and Planning Officer III Carmen B. Cortes.

Kicking off the event on July 19th, participants were welcomed to an engaging business continuity seminar led by keynote speaker Ms. Mariel Naguimbing, CTC NBD New Business Specialist. The seminar began with a focus on the ‘Philippine Dairy Industry and Importance of Product Branding and Digital Presence in Business,’ aimed at enhancing the participants’ knowledge of the local dairy sector and the importance of adapting modern digital strategies for effective product promotion. This was followed by a discussion on ‘Proper Food Handling,’ led by Ms. Wendy Lyn Reyes, CTC WFN Innovations and Applications Specialist. This segment laid the foundations for maintaining quality standards in dairy processing through proper food handling techniques.

The following day was dedicated to immersive hands-on skills training in dairy processing, skillfully facilitated by Ms. Reyes and Ms. Jenny Rose Gayeta, CTC WFN Innovations and Applications Associate. The training involved the creation of ice cream, butter cupcakes, and exquisitely flavored Carmelados – a local culinary treasure of the province. The array of flavors produced included caramel, butterscotch, blueberry, and strawberry, showcasing the versatility and creativity that can be potentially incorporated in the delectable Carmelados. All dairy-based products utilized the abundant and distinctive carabao's milk to capitalize the province’s renowned cattle industry.

The training continued on the third day with a shifted focus to the intricate production of processed cheese blocks and cheese spread, both derived from carabao’s milk as well. This highlighted the amalgamation of traditional techniques with innovative approaches, showcasing the potential of carabao's milk in yielding a diverse spectrum of dairy products. The event ended with a graduation program celebrating participants' dedication to enhancing local dairy industry knowledge and products for innovation and the economy.

The seminar equipped participants with improved skills, a strong grasp of business continuity, and the capacity to harness carabao's milk potential, signifying a notable step towards a sustainable future for the municipality's dairy industry, harmonizing tradition and innovation.