Koronadal City—To address the low milk consumption among children in South Cotabato, the Provincial Government established a Milk Processing center to answer the perennial problem.
Dr. Errol Javier, Animal Demonstration and Training Center, said the center process dairy from carabaos and cows at the provincial animal farm.
The animal farm could fill up at least 80 liters of animal’s milk weekly which is directly delivered to the Nutrition Section of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for storage.
The Provincial Nutrition Committee identified 566 pregnant women as beneficiaries of the supplemental feeding program by which the cow’s milk is a component. At least 50 pregnant women were identified in every town. However, some towns doubled its beneficiaries by providing additional fund.
On the other hand, 101 children aged six months to 59 months were part of the cow’s milk program. Forty-eight children were identified as beneficiaries in Barangay San Vicente, Banga while 53 children were drinking cow’s milk as part of their diet in barangays Poblacion, Edward, and Kematu in Tboli.
Cow’s milk is the best source of calcium and vitamin D in the diet. This nutritious drink is perfect for balancing a meal or as a snack. Depending on the type of cow’s milk, the nutrition facts will vary accordingly, especially regarding the calories and fat content.
The establishment of the Milk Processing Center is one of the initiatives of the province to counter malnutrition.
The latest nutrition survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 noted that the calcium intakes of Filipinos are inadequate.
Nearly 90 percent of Filipino households are not meeting the average requirements for calcium. Thus, only one in every 10 Filipino households meets the average requirement for calcium. The consumption of Filipinos for milk and milk products decreased by seven grams, from 49 grams per capita per day in 2003 to 42 grams per capita per day in 2008.
