ASINGAN, Pangasinan – This Pangasinan town has another product it could be proud of. Asingan, which is known for its rice and vegetable produces and loom weaving industry, has a new One town, One Product which it could be proud of. Dairy Box is the latest OTOP for this town which is also known in producing fresh dairy, especially carabao milk. Dairy Box actually offers different dairy products beside fresh milk since it offers yogurt, polvoron, pastillas, and other new and yummy goods. Started in 2005 by local farmers who are not familiar with dairy products, the business cooperative received a much needed boost from the local government when it was granted its own land where it can start its business. Fast forward to 2018, the business cooperative boast of 4,000 heads of cows and its produces are starting to get traction and recognition by the people. Now, its members, some 100 corn farmers, corn is the main food of carabaos, are reaping the rewards of nearly 17 years of experience and hard work. Last February, the group got another boost when Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate’s environment and agriculture committee granted 50 heads of carabaos and equipment. The equipment included 150 pieces of an icebox, eight chest freezers, and three chillers. Students also benefited from the business since the Department of Education is buying their tetra pack products to distribute for free in different schools in Asingan. The business started to gain recognition not just in Region I but also from the neighboring Cordillera and the Cagayan Valley but also in the National Capital Region. The success of the country’s dairy industry would help local farmers and the Philippines economy, just like in New Zealand, the world’s best dairy-providing country which successfully transported over 19.09 billion dairy products in 2019. The success of said industry would surely encourage people to better their products and expand their business nationwide. Leila N. Bation