A new Dairy Box store has opened in Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, offering a convenient stop for tourists visiting the nearby Tinuy-an Falls, known as the country’s widest waterfall. Strategically located just 8 km from the famous "white water curtain" falls, the Dairy Box provides tourists with the opportunity to purchase carabao-based products as "pasalubong" on their way home.

This one-stop-shop, which will be managed by the Bislig Community and Government Employee Cooperative (BCGEMCO), not only offers nutritious dairy delicacies but also provides livelihood opportunities for Bislig City's residents.

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU), shared the project’s rationale during his opening remarks.

“The said facility was established as part of the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan project implemented by the DA-PCC and funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar,” shared Dr. Paraguas.

The Dairy Box is an infrastructure support for smallholder dairy farmers designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain access to the commercial market for greater income.

Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

"We are thrilled to finally open our doors and share our passion for high-quality, locally sourced dairy products with the community. Our goal is to offer not just products but an experience that highlights the craftsmanship and care behind every item," Dr. Salces said. He emphasized Dairy Box's commitment to supporting local farmers and producers by ensuring that customers receive the freshest products while contributing to the local economy.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary samples of the store's signature products, including the creamiest and fresh pasteurized carabao’s milk. This newly opened store offers a variety of milk-based products, including pastillas, fresh milk, white cheese, chocomilk, and mango- and ube-flavored milk drinks.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel showed his support for the project, noting that the province has allocated PHP500,000 for 2024 to support dairy farmers and Dairy Box operations.

“Dairy Box is a valuable addition to our province. It's wonderful to see new businesses that support local agriculture and bring high-quality products to our residents. I fully support this initiative,” Rep. Pimentel affirmed.

The ceremony also featured the graduation of 17 farmer beneficiaries from the Farmer Livestock School on Dairy Buffalo Production (FLS-DBP). They received certificates along with two motorcycles, milk cans, milk processing and storage facilities, and 56 dairy buffaloes.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Provincial Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, representatives from Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, and BCGEMCO Chairperson Edgardo Ochavillo.

For more information about this new Dairy Box store and its product offerings, visit its Facebook Page: Dairy Box-Bislig City or stop by the store at Sayre Highway, Core 1, Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.