Manila, Oct. 31 -- A multipurpose cooperative composed of agrarian reform beneficiaries in this city has received at least 10 dairy buffaloes from the government to jumpstart local dairy production.

"They are the latest batch of recipients in our effort to expand the carabao upgrading program in the Ilocos Region," Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) director Joel Cabading told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.

Worth around PHP800,000, the buffaloes are meant to boost dairy production in Ilocos Norte to help meet the growing demand for carabao milk-based products and also to help address malnutrition.

"The PCC is proud to partner with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in bringing high-quality dairy buffaloes to our farmer coopera...