San Miguel to buy excess carabao’s milk from farmers

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said Saturday it was set to buy excess carabao’s milk from farmer-cooperatives struggling due to supply-demand disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purchased carabao’s milk would be donated to poor communities and food banks in and around Metro Manila, SMC said in a statement.

“It’s heartbreaking. There is so much excess milk that goes to waste, instead of getting them to where they are most needed. By buying their excess milk, we are hoping to help not only our farmers stay in business but also get these produce to food banks and communities to help address the growing food insecurity facing the poorest families,” said SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang.

The initiative was the company’s latest response to support the agricultural sector through the crisis.

Ang said the company would start identifying farmer-cooperatives it would buy carabao’s milk from, who will then identify poor communities and feeding centers they can deliver their produce.

SMC planned to have the milk sent to hard-hit communities and feeding centers in Bulacan, Navotas, and various localities around Metro Manila.

The company hopes to start rolling out the program soon with the help of the government through the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and the Department of Interior and Local Government. — DVM, GMA News