Women in action: Nourishing the nation, one drop at a time | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Siquijor – Twenty years ago, the residents of Barangay Catulayan, Timbaon, and Cangmunag were primarily farmers raising livestock. Their lives changed when their area was identified as a Poverty-Free Zone. Recognizing its suitability for cow farming, the National Dairy Authority proposed the formation of a group that would receive dairy cows, raise them into mother cows, and produce fresh milk.

Members of the cooperative KAPANIG posing for a photo

A group of 19 members was formed and received their cows before officially registering with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2004. They named themselves Kababayen-an Alang sa Pagpalambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas Multipurpose Cooperative (KAPANIG). At that time, their chairman, Victoria S. Maglasang, was in her early 50s.

The primary goal of producing fresh milk was to help combat malnutrition among children in the province. When KAPANIG was ready for business, government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), stepped in to provide training and support. In 2004, the cooperative launched its first feeding program for malnourished children across the province.

In the early years, selling raw milk was difficult because people were hesitant to buy it, believing it was not clean. Without the skills to process it into other dairy products, the group often had no choice but to throw away excess fresh milk. Recognizing this challenge, they coordinated with various agencies, including the DTI – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), to maximize the use of fresh milk and create additional income streams. They sought training and learned how to make yogurt, cheese, and pastillas. With these new skills, they not only reduced waste but also turned fresh milk into profitable products. The cooperative also actively participated in local and regional trade fairs to showcase their products.

A photo of bottles of milk in a fridge, as produced by KAPANIG cooperative

At present, the group has not only grown in number, with 87% of its members being women and 74% senior citizens, but it has also provided jobs to their families and neighbors. They currently own 15 milking cows, each producing 8 to 10 liters of milk per day.

Starting with a capital of only ₱200,000, KAPANIG has since secured its biggest government contract, worth ₱4.9 million, earning a net income of over a million pesos. With this success, they improved their production facilities and secured a License to Operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their fresh milk has reached approximately 3,000 malnourished children.Some may wonder: Is fresh milk dirty? It’s not. And for those who doubt whether senior women can run a business, they can. Thanks to the dedication of DTI and other government and non-government agencies, who never gave up on the group despite their age, KAPANIG continues to fight malnutrition and promote the health benefits of fresh milk. Their journey proves that with determination and support, even the most vulnerable sectors can thrive and make a lasting impact. (DTI Siquijor) ♦

Date of Release: 02 April 2025

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