Innovation

“Nagpatulong at nagpa-accredit po kami sa Philippine Carabao Center para mapalago ang aming kooperatiba at negosyo…” [“We were assisted and accredited by the Philippine Carabao Center to develop our cooperative and business…”].

When asked about how GenTri's Best came to be, Mr. Samuel Potante (Chairman) shared that the original directors of the cooperative wanted to pursue a project that allowed their members to promote and profit from their top-rated and organic produce. With this, GenTri's Best was born, integrating technology that allowed these dairy farmers to process raw carabao milk and manufacture products, such as pastillas, a beloved Filipino delicacy, kesong puti (white cheese), and pasteurized milk. Additionally, through an official registered enterprise, they can expand their network and sell to areas outside Cavite, specifically Metro Manila, to have their products certified, recognized, and innovated. They can also cut down on distribution costs, specifically on middle-men commissions.

"Ang GTDRMPC ay isa sa apat na dairy raisers cooperative sa Pilipinas," ["The GTDRMPC is one of only four dairy raiser cooperatives in the Philippines,"] Mr. Potante adds. As a leading dairy cooperative and company in General Trias and the country, GTDRMPC ensured that its methods aligned with the standards and procedures set by the Philippine Carabao Center in Nueva Ecija. Through the processes introduced to them by the institution, they could operationalize a more efficient system through top-of-the-line technology supplied by an unnamed Korean agency and expand their product lines. Their pasteurized milk products include variants such as chocolate milk, strawberry milk, and carabao coffee or cara-kape.

Currently, the cooperative is targeting GenTri's Best to be certified by the FDA to gain a broader market. They are also undergoing construction of their 2-story pasalubong (souvenir) center to have a centralized marketplace of their products and a known physical location. Ultimately, GTDRMPC has been innovating its enterprise since its establishment to serve its consumers better and expand the reach of its members' produce.

Photos of GenTri Best's products, employees, farms, and business center

Inspiration

The inception of GenTri's Best was rooted in a vision to empower local dairy farmers and create a sustainable economic model. Mr. Samuel Potante, the Chairman, recalls the early days of the cooperative:

"Binuo para magka secondary income mga farmers sa tulong ng local government agencies such as DTI, DOLE, and Department of Agriculture." ["It was created to provide secondary income for farmers with the help of local government agencies such as DTI, DOLE, and the Department of Agriculture."]

This initiative was born from recognizing an existing dairy industry dating back to the Spanish colonial era. The founders saw an opportunity to modernize and streamline this traditional sector, focusing on creating a centralized market for farmers. As Mr. Potante explains:

"Main purpose is to have a central market for farmers kaysa ipabenta pa sa mga middle men. Dahil kapag walang sales ang mga middle men, wala ring sales para sa amin. Gusto namin direct na yung sales." ["The main purpose is to have a central market for farmers instead of selling through middlemen. Because if middlemen have no sales, we have no sales either. We want the sales to be direct."]

This innovative approach aimed to eliminate intermediaries, ensuring farmers received fair compensation for their produce. The cooperative structure also allowed for a fair distribution of labor and profits among members:

"Lahat ng farmer may kanya-kanyang assigned ng trabaho at may roles tulad ng pag-manufacture ng (pastillas, kesong puti, gatas), harvesting, tiga-alaga ng kalabaw, atbp." ["Every farmer has their own assigned job and roles such as manufacturing (pastillas, white cheese, milk), harvesting, carabao caretaking, etc."]

The inspiration behind GenTri's Best continues to drive its operations today. It focuses on sustainable practices, community development, and expanding its reach while staying true to its core mission of empowering local dairy farmers.

Overall impact

"Ang mga produkto namin ay organic at 'flavored with love.' Pinapakain namin ang mga kalabaw sa damuhan, walang kemikal na ginagamit sa kanilang pagkain, at pinapa-neuter. Ang aming focus sa carabao milk products ay nagbigay sa amin ng competitive edge. Ang pag akit sa mga health-conscious consumers na pinahahalagahan ang quality at nutritional benefits ng aming mga produkto." ["Our products are organic and 'flavored with love.' We feed our carabaos with grass, using no chemicals in their diet, and they are neutered. Our focus on carabao milk products has given us a competitive edge. This attracts health-conscious consumers who value our offerings' quality and nutritional benefits."] shares Mr. Potante. What began as a flagship project of the General Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative has evolved into a thriving enterprise, highlighting the distinct advantages of carabao milk. This unique focus underscores the company's commitment to quality and innovation and drives significant economic growth and brand loyalty. By specializing in these high-quality dairy products, GenTri's Best has cemented its role as a leader in the local dairy industry, consistently setting benchmarks for excellence and sustainability.

GenTri's Best's impact on the community is deeply rooted in its unwavering support for local farmers. "Naniniwala kami sa pagpapaunlad sa aming farmers sa paraan ng pagbigay sakanila ng patas na sweldo at patuloy na growth opportunities. Dati, ang sweldo nila ay Php 150 lang. Ngayon, may improvement na from 2005 to 2024. Minimum wage na at may additional benefits pa sa sahod." ["We believe in uplifting our farmers by providing them fair compensation and continuous opportunities for growth. Before, their salaries were just Php 150. Right now, there's been an improvement from 2005 to 2024. It's now minimum wage (Php 347), and they have salary benefits."] explains Mr. Jose Guyuran, a Board member. The cooperative's dedication to fair wages and equitable growth aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8, promoting decent work and economic growth. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its 259 members, GenTri's Best improves livelihoods and strengthens the social and economic fabric of General Trias, Cavite. This commitment to community development ensures that the benefits of the cooperative's success are shared widely, creating a robust and resilient local economy.

Regarding environmental stewardship, GenTri's Best is a beacon of sustainable agricultural practices. "Ang aming commitment sa sustainability ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagbawas ng epekto namin sa kapaligiran kundi pati na rin sa paninigurado na ang aming mga pamamaraan sa pagsasaka ay magagamit pa rin sa mga susunod na henerasyon," [“Our commitment to sustainability is not just about reducing our environmental impact but also about ensuring that our farming practices are viable for future generations,"] says Mr. Potante. The cooperative's dedication to eco-friendly farming and resource efficiency aligns seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which promotes sustainable agriculture. GenTri's Best sets a standard for environmental responsibility in the dairy sector by minimizing its ecological footprint and adopting innovative methods. The company's efforts preserve the local ecosystem and serve as a model for how businesses can harmoniously balance profitability with environmental care.

GenTri's Best has seen immediate success through increased sales, a growing customer base, and enhanced market recognition, which have benefited local farmers and public health with nutritious dairy products. The enterprise's focus on quality, health, and sustainability positions it for continued growth and relevance. Tangible proofs of its success include market expansion, customer loyalty, and a steady increase in membership and sales. Plans to build a dedicated "pasalubong" store and partnerships to place products in more stores will further extend its reach. The cooperative's sustainable practices and local sourcing have earned recognition from environmental advocates, demonstrating how innovation and a commitment to sustainability can benefit businesses, communities, and the environment.

Business benefit

In GenTri's Best's efforts to create a sustainable social and environmental future for all their stakeholders, especially in support of the livelihoods of dairy farmers in the area, the company has likewise received the same support back from the individuals and families they dedicated themselves to assisting. Being a dairy company with products regularly at risk of spoilage, the company often faces losses due to oversupply. However, due to the nature of their business, GenTri's Best's cause garnered the support of their local government unit (LGU) and related organizations, which further helped the company stay afloat for years. Such assistance came in equipment, such as ice cream machines and trucks, that allowed the company to keep its monetary funding for other aspects of its supply chain.

The success of this model is evident in the cooperative's growth from its humble beginnings to its current status. Mr. Potante proudly states:

"August 10, 2005. Nagsimula kami nang meron lamang 44 members at kapital na P14,500. Pero ngayon, mayron na kaming total assets of 30M and maraming pamilya ang naka alis sa kahirapan, marami na rin ang nakabili ng sarili nilang mga kotse at makinarya." ["August 10, 2005. We started with only 44 members and a capital of P14,500. But now, we have total assets of 30M and many families have escaped poverty, many have also bought their own cars and machinery."]

This remarkable growth not only improved the economic standing of its members but also positioned GenTri's Best as a significant contributor to the local economy and tourism:

"Naging tourist spot na kami sa Cavite where tourists and those going to GenTri will know where to get these products as pasalubong." ["We've become a tourist spot in Cavite where tourists and those going to GenTri will know where to get these products as souvenirs."]

GenTri's Best enjoys a significant market share in the area, especially from its local community, as the first well-known cooperative to manufacture goods from genuine buffalo milk in the province of Cavite. More than that, GenTri's Best also gains big customers who believe in its advocacy. One example is Karabella Dairy, a social enterprise with the GK Enchanted Farm. It has become a regular partner with GenTri's Best to create its ice cream products, all to raise awareness for dairy farmers in the Philippines.

Social and environmental benefit

GenTri's Best goes far beyond profit in its operations; at the heart of its business lies practices prioritizing the community's well-being and the environment in which it operates. In the interview, Chairman Samuel Potante boasts of the company's proactive approach to caring for people and the planet.

At GenTri's Best, every job is a labor of love. The organization's people all share a passion for uplifting and empowering its stakeholders, the carabao farmers to consumers. GenTri's Best was founded to support the lives and livelihood of local carabao farmers. The company aims to provide them with a stable source of income and a central market, eliminating the need for intermediaries. GenTri's Best has helped numerous farmers rise from poverty, and they continue to do so today. This commitment was carried on to their current practices, including feeding programs for daycare centers and orphanages. In production, they use all-organic ingredients and exercise thorough quality testing before delivery and consumption. As mentioned by Chairman Potante, through these practices, they prioritize the consumers by creating products that are good for their health and are characterized by excellent quality and taste.

GenTri's Best is dedicated to combatting pressing environmental issues, especially climate change. To quote Chairman Potante, "It would be impossible for us to disregard these issues [of the environment]." With a deep awareness and understanding of the current state of the environment, they believe that they can champion sustainability in the community in their own way. Aside from its sustainable and less industrialized agricultural practices, its other eco-conscious actions center around proper waste management. Farming waste is being converted into plant fertilizer and fish feed for the fish that some farmers care for. GenTri sells excess milk from its harvest at a lower price to reduce waste, and milk spoilage is properly disposed of through septic tanks. Chairman Potante also mentioned looking into composting, a practice that has yet to be used within the community. Undoubtedly, the company proactively advocates for maintaining the health of local ecosystems.

Support for local carabao farmers, dedication to consumer health, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices make the company a catalyst for environmental and community sustainability. Despite being a relatively smaller organization, GenTri's Best's impact is profound.

Interviews

Samuel Potante, Chairman

Jose Guyuran, Board of Director

Elias Piano, Board of Director