In Porac, Pampanga, where food is heritage and innovation comes naturally, PUKLO is reshaping the local dairy story. Built on carabao milk and community spirit, the brand stands at the intersection of tradition, science, and purpose driven innovation.
PUKLO Dairy was founded by Rabbi David Manlapaz, together with his wife, their growing team, local dairy farmers, and key partners such as the Philippine Carabao Center. From the beginning, it was envisioned not as a solo enterprise but as a shared mission rooted in protecting farmers, reducing waste, and elevating Filipino dairy.
Innovation Born from Reality
PUKLO Milk Chips were formulated in April 2025, following a major spoilage incident that resulted in the loss of hundreds of liters of fresh carabao milk due to delivery delays and limited cold chain capacity. Instead of treating the loss as an industry norm, the team responded with urgency and innovation.
Milk Chips became a ready to enjoy, shelf stable dairy product created to preserve milk value and reduce waste. By transforming fresh carabao milk into a modern snack, PUKLO addressed long standing logistical gaps while fitting seamlessly into today’s on the go lifestyle.
As Manlapaz shared, “I refused to accept milk spoilage as normal.”
Milk, Reimagined
What distinguishes PUKLO is its ability to translate tradition into modern form. Milk Chips reintroduce gatas in a way that is portable, shareable, and accessible, creating a bridge between generations while staying true to its roots.
This philosophy continues with PUKLO Yogurt Chips, the brand’s newest innovation. Developed through weeks of research and development, the product represents the natural evolution of PUKLO’s dairy journey, from milk to yogurt, to frozen yogurt, and finally to yogurt chips.
“It’s always milk, just transformed into new forms,” Manlapaz said.
From Family Legacy to Global Inspiration
The roots of PUKLO trace back to Porac, where Manlapaz’s grandparents once sold milk as traditional leche vendors. That livelihood sustained the family and provided the nourishment and opportunity that later allowed him and his sister to study, work, and gain exposure abroad.
Inspired by dairy systems in New Zealand and France, where local milk is elevated through discipline, innovation, and national pride, Manlapaz returned home with a clear purpose. His background as a licensed Medical Technologist in both the Philippines and New Zealand helped shape PUKLO’s quality driven and systems based approach to dairy processing.
Proudly Pampanga, Deeply Filipino
Born in Jalung, Porac, with its first retail site established in Cangatba, Porac, PUKLO carries strong Kapampangan identity. In a province known for culinary excellence, the brand adds a new chapter through dairy innovation.
Beyond pride, PUKLO creates tangible impact. It strengthens demand for local carabao milk, generates jobs across processing, packing, and sales, and contributes to the growing movement toward reducing dependence on imported dairy. By turning raw milk into higher value products such as Milk Chips, yogurt, frozen yogurt, and Yogurt Chips, PUKLO helps upgrade the local dairy value chain.
For Manlapaz, the work goes beyond commerce.
“This is not just business. This is legacy and purpose.”
It is always milk, evolved.
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