By JOHN MAICO M. HERRNANDEZ
BATANGAS — IN a bid to diversify its product offerings and maximize its production capacity, J.C. Macatangay Goat Farm underwent a two-day technology-based training on cheese and yogurt processing at their production facility in Brgy. Abiacao, San Luis, Batangas, held from January 23 to 24.
The farm, which houses four breeds of goats—Anglo-Nubian, Saanen, LaMancha, and Alpine—currently produces 23 to 25 liters of goat milk daily. While they are already known for their pasteurized goat milk, the farm’s management recognized the potential to further utilize their milk supply by exploring the production of value-added dairy products.
To help achieve this goal, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas organized the training program, aimed at equipping the farm’s employees with the skills and knowledge needed to produce a variety of goat milk-based products.
The comprehensive training introduced employees to the step-by-step procedures for making white cheese, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and yogurt. Key topics covered included milk handling practices, quality control, pasteurization methods, and proper equipment usage. Trainees also learned essential techniques for enhancing the flavor, quality, and shelf life of the products, such as fermentation methods and pasteurization time estimation. Hands-on activities provided participants with practical experience which helped ensure they understood the production process and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Ms. Aida B. Lanaca, Plant Manager of the Dairy Training and Research Institute – University of the Philippines Los Baños (DTRI-UPLB), facilitated the sessions and provided insights into maintaining product consistency while adhering to stringent food safety standards.
At the conclusion of the training, Mr. Jayson Macatangay, owner of J.C. Macatangay Goat Farm, expressed his sincere gratitude to DOST Batangas and DTRI-UPLB for sharing their expertise. “This training will truly benefit our business as we venture into new product lines,” said Macatangay. “We are excited to introduce our new products to customers and are confident they will be a point of pride for our farm and the municipality of San Luis,” he added.
With the new skills gained from the training, J.C. Macatangay Goat Farm is now poised to offer a wider range of goat milk products, meeting the growing demand for high-quality, value-added dairy items in the local market.| – BNN
