508 words, 3 minutes read time.
In a quiet corner in Zamables, a woman doctor with no background in farming decided to take on a bold challenge: building a dairy farm from scratch—with no funding, no experience, and only a deep desire to help her community.
Dr. Tess Yap, a practicing dermatologist, is also the heart behind Lotus Foundation, Inc. and the pioneering spirit of Lotus Dairy Farm. What started as a simple hope to provide milk to children and open up opportunities for farmers has now become a thriving community-centered enterprise.
It didn’t begin with grandeur—it began with prayer.
“I asked God for a sign,” Dr. Tess shares. “I said, if You really want me to do this—this farm, this foundation—then give me the courage, the strength, and the right people to help me do it. And I won’t spend beyond what I have.”
A divine appointment came when she connected with the National Dairy Authority (NDA). She had already built a cow shed, secured water supply, and ensured housing and food for the animals. When NDA inspected, the foundation was ready. They began with just five female cows and one caretaker.
“I was overjoyed when the cows started producing milk,” she recalls. “But I didn’t know how to process it.” Gallons of raw milk would arrive at her home, and she taught herself how to pasteurize—sometimes failing, often learning. Leftovers were fed to animals or carefully stored.
Despite doubts, discouragement, and even physical exhaustion, she pressed on. “There were times I asked myself if this was the right decision. I convinced the board of directors that I could do this. I couldn’t give up.”
Over the years, the farm grew—slowly but steadily. From five cows, the herd increased. Some cows were sold and repurchased, others passed away, but the production and reproduction systems showed promise.
More than just a farm, Lotus Dairy Farm became a place of learning. Students from agricultural universities like PRMSU come to train. Senior high students on immersion programs visit to see that farming can lead to a meaningful future.
The farm now also serves as a training ground for overseas applicants looking to work on dairy farms in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. With a minimal-cost training program, it gives practical skills and new opportunities to aspiring agri-workers.
Still, one of the most beautiful impacts of the farm is this: 125 children are given 200 ml of fresh milk every day, Monday to Friday.
“In our area, most people only know milk in cartons or powder. Here, they get the real thing—pure, farm-fresh milk.”
Dr. Tess often hears men in the community say, “If you as a woman can do this, then what excuse do we have?” Her story has become a source of inspiration not just for women, but for anyone who dares to pursue a vision that serves others.
She’s quick to say this is not her success alone. “We cannot work alone. I don’t claim this. It was a team effort—and above all, by God’s grace.”
Help Us Make a Bigger Impact
When you support Lotus Dairy Farm, you’re not just buying fresh milk—you’re investing in children’s health, in agricultural education, and in the future of local farmers and families.
👉 Visit the Lotus Dairy Farm page to learn how you can partner with us, volunteer, or purchase our products. Every drop of milk goes a long way.
Together, let’s nourish bodies, empower dreams, and grow hope—one cow, one child, one community at a time.
