El salvador city: The National Dairy Authority has confirmed the provision of a PHP16-million loan to a cooperative in Northern Mindanao aimed at facilitating its shift to renewable energy.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wilma Buray, the plant manager of the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), stated in an interview that the funding will be used to support the cooperative’s daily operations and the modernization of its equipment. Buray emphasized that the new facility will extend the shelf life of their products to up to six months, thereby enhancing both production efficiency and market reach.

The loan will specifically finance the installation of a retort facility, scheduled for November 20, at the cooperative’s plant located in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. This development is expected to bolster the operations of the NMFDC, known for producing the popular “Highland Fresh” milk brand.

Currently, the NMFDC boasts assets totaling PHP100 million and is responsible for producing approximately 55,000 liters of fresh milk each month. The cooperative plays a crucial role in supplying milk for the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s feeding programs, which are designed to address child malnutrition.