“When one door closes, another one opens,” says the fate of the Bohol Dairy Processing and Marketing Enterprise in Ubay, Bohol who found a remarkable opportunity and meaning amid the global pandemic.

The closing of their two stores in Tagbilaran and Jagna in Bohol due to quarantine protocol measures lead to losses in sales and major order cancellations. However, the Bohol Dairy Producers Association (BODPA) continues to strive harder. Through the provincial milk feeding program, they are able to supply Carabao toned milk to 4,664 undernourished children in 16 local government units (LGUs) in the whole province of Bohol.

Under the milk feeding program, BODPA delivers to the LGU Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS). The LGU BNS are then the ones to distribute the milk to undernourished children. Division of milk supply is 200ml sachet of toned milk per child.

According to Kennethval Dalen, BODPA General Manager, the program opened doors for the cooperative to keep its enterprise rolling as they adapt to the new normal while helping the community at the same time.

“Not only did we help boost the immune system of thousands of children to fight COVID-19, but it also ensured a steady income for the farmers especially in this time of crisis,” said Dalen.

He added that more farmers are encouraged to increase their milk production to help sustain the demand for milk which is an essential commodity.

“I’m proud and happy to be part of the Boholano community, more so in helping our farmers who rely their daily earnings in carabao milking,” said Esterlin Cotillas, BODPA treasurer.

“Our coop came out better and stronger. We have reinforced our marketing efforts and increased our resellers to continue selling our staple products. In fact, there is shortage in milk production as the Philippine Carabao Center could no longer accommodate our demands,” Dalen highlighted.

BODPA’s recent sales report showed that the cooperative has a gross sale of P1.4 million in March; P1.9 million in April and P1.8 million in the month May with a Return of Investment of 46%.

BODPA also initiated cash assistance to their farmer members with each member receiving an amount of P 400.00, and two loaves of bread. The same goes for its hired employees with an additional rice subsidy of P1,000.00.

The Bohol Dairy Producers Association is a supported Proponent Group of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) with a total investment cost of P 9.2 million. (Bexmae Jumao-as, RPCO 7)