To address the challenge of food security and providing stable jobs for the farmers, the Livestock Research Division (LRD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), led by Dr. Synan S. Baguio, convened its face-to-face inception meeting with CBSUA on May 20, 2024, marking the launch of two critical PCAARRD-funded research and development projects in the region: production of the ItikPinas duck breed and addressing African Swine Fever (ASF).
The first project, titled โCreating a Stable Supply of Duck and Duck Eggs in Camarines Sur through ItikPINAS Production,โ aims to stabilize the supply of duck products, contributing to food security and providing additional income for local farmers. Project Leader Mr. Mark Anthony S. Ampongan presented the project, highlighting its potential to significantly impact the local agricultural landscape by promoting the ItikPinas breed, which is known for its high egg production and adaptability to local conditions. This initiative is expected to create job opportunities and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The PCAARRD has allocated a total funding of PhP 4,992,894.80 for this project.
The second project, โSerologic Evaluation of Herd Immunity against African Swine Fever (ASF) in Backyard Pigs in Camarines Sur,โ was introduced by Project Leader Dr. Mark Jaypee C. Gonzales. This project addresses the need to assess the herd immunity of backyard pigs against ASF along with evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of farmers. By evaluating herd immunity, the project aims to develop effective strategies to control and prevent ASF outbreaks, ensuring the sustainability of local swine production. This effort is crucial for protecting the income of pig farmers and maintaining the stability of the swine industry, which is a significant part of the local economy. The PCAARRD granted a total amount of PhP 2, 682, 350.00 for this project.
During the meeting, Ms. Josette San Luis of DOST-PCAARRD provided a comprehensive overview of the Department of Science and Technology-Grant-in-Aid (DOST-GIA) guidelines for R&D project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Her presentation underscored the importance of adhering to these guidelines to ensure the success and accountability of funded projects.
These initiatives by DOST-PCAARRD and CBSUA signify a robust effort to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector, promising substantial benefits for food security, job stability, and economic development in the Bicol Region. | ๐๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ท๐ช๐ค๐ฆ๐ด ๐๐ช๐ท๐ช๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ
