By Jennifer P. Rendon
More than 20 exhibitors and 300 participants are expected to take part in the 2024 National Dairy Summit (NDS), considered the biggest dairy event in the country this year.
The Western Visayas Dairy Farmers and Stakeholders Agriventures Inc., in partnership with the National Dairy Authority (NDA), the Iloilo City Government, and the Iloilo Provincial Government, will host the event.
With the theme “Advancing DAIRYpreneurship, Innovation, Nutrition, Sustainability, and Food Security,” the summit will be held from Oct. 28 to 30 at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The 2024 National Dairy Summit will showcase the latest innovations, products, and services in the dairy industry while serving as a platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities.
The summit is open to all participants in the dairy value chain, including farmers, stakeholders, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), processors, suppliers of farm inputs, equipment, packaging, traders, and dairy partner agencies.
Vicente Bitolinamisa III, National Dairy Authority – Western Visayas officer-in-charge, said the summit will provide stakeholders in the dairy industry with the opportunity to identify and possibly address gaps in the value chain.
“We hope to present opportunities to fill those gaps,” he said.
Dairy experts will offer insights on the latest trends and best practices in the industry, while key government officials and dairy sector champions have been invited to the opening ceremonies.
Attendees will have the chance to explore booths showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and technologies driving innovation in the dairy sector.
Exhibitors include Hino Panay, Orchard Valley Inc., Advanced Innovative Solutions (ADINSO), FSSI, DairyPro Philippines, Tractorco Company Inc., Iloilo New Agri-Industrial Marketing and General Services, Inc., and Rumen Solutions, among others.
“We aim to provide stakeholders and investors with a comprehensive view of the dairy industry, highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for improvement. By addressing these challenges, we can significantly boost milk production, not only in Western Visayas but across the Philippines,” Bitolinamisa said.
Industry experts from national government agencies and international organizations will fly to Iloilo to share their expertise on various topics in the dairy sector.
The country’s dairy industry is still in its infancy and continues to struggle to catch up with other Asian countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Bitolinamisa noted that its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is currently only a small fraction.
Western Visayas is the third-highest producing region in dairy, with Southern Luzon leading the country. The region produces around 2.2 million liters of dairy milk annually.
Architect Johnny Que, owner of Orchard Valley in Iloilo, serves as the current president of the Western Visayas Dairy Farmers and Stakeholders Agriventures Inc.
Meanwhile, event organizers announced that registration is now open.
The registration fee is P5,000 per person, which covers lunch, two snacks per day over two days, a summit kit, access to all sessions, and a certificate of participation.
Booth spaces are available for rent, allowing participants to showcase their products to a wide audience.
For booth rental inquiries, registration, and more information, contact the National Dairy Summit 2024 Secretariat at +63916 600 6619.
