SURIGAO CITY — A community enterprise built around locally produced carabao milk has reached an important milestone as the Trinidad Dairy Box celebrates its first year of operations. Located at Purok-5, Barangay Trinidad, the establishment serves as Surigao City’s first Dairy Box, offering fresh carabao milk alongside a selection of locally produced dairy goods. Its first anniversary highlights a year of progress, community support, and livelihood opportunities made possible through cooperation among government agencies and local residents.
From Partnership to Sustainable Livelihood
The Trinidad Dairy Box was developed through the joint efforts of the City Government of Surigao, Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and City Veterinary Office. The facility was eventually turned over to the Trinidad Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (TSLPA), a women-led organization headed by President Elsie P. Cayangcang, which oversees the enterprise’s daily operations. To help the group manage the business, members underwent training in producing a variety of carabao milk products, including fresh milk, yogurt, chocolate milk, cheese, and pastillas. These skills have enabled the association to develop products while building a sustainable source of income for its members. The initiative also supports PCC’s continuing efforts to develop carabao-based enterprises and create stronger rural livelihoods through sustainable agricultural activities.
Supporting Local Farmers Through Dairy Products
The Trinidad Dairy Box offers fresh carabao milk in original, chocolate, and ube flavors, available from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Using locally sourced milk allows the enterprise to support carabao raisers in Surigao while giving consumers access to locally produced dairy products. The first anniversary celebration was attended by representatives from the City Government, including City Administrator Atty. Lex Joshua Andrew Silvosa and City Councilor Karl Duane Casurra, as well as personnel from the City Veterinary Office and barangay officials. The gathering recognized the continued support of the community for local products and highlighted the role of the Dairy Box in promoting both nutrition and livelihood. After a year of operation, the Trinidad Dairy Box stands as an example of how collaboration, local skills, and community participation can turn a livelihood initiative into a growing enterprise that benefits both producers and consumers.
