Author: Ma. Cecilia Irang-Mariano

Contactless payments, online shopping, and virtual conferences and meetings are among the regular tasks borne out of the digital revolution that have now become a way of life due to the protracted pandemic.

Joining the digital transformation is the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) that digitalized its extension and advisory services to ensure accessibility of its knowledge products by a wider audience.

The DA-PCC launched its Knowledge Portal (or simply K-Portal), which serves as a hub or a one-stop e-platform for all knowledge products (in various formats) produced by the agency through its Knowledge Management Division (KMD).

“You can explore and navigate this portal like a website. Once you subscribe to this platform, you will be updated and notified through your email every time the agency has new publication releases,” KMD Chief Dr. Eric Palacpac said.

Meanwhile, another digital innovation of the agency also through the KMD is the Virtual Tour of the DA-PCC national headquarters in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, which not only shows a glimpse of what it is like visiting the DA-PCC facilities but also provides useful information about water buffalo production and accompanying technologies.

“As you click the link of the Virtual Tour, you are a step closer to this simulated but equally immersive learning experience right in the comfort of your homes or wherever you are currently located. This is very timely now that we’re still in a pandemic situation,” Dr. Palacpac averred.

The DA-PCC invites everyone to register and subscribe to its K-Portal through k-portal.pcc.gov.ph and Virtual Tour through vtour.pcc.gov.ph for them to be updated on the goings-on in the implementation of its program and services and to be aware not only of the significant results of research and development studies and undertakings of the agency but also of the opportunities in the carabao industry.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has lauded the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) for its efficient physical, financial, and income performance in a recently conducted monitoring and review of agency performance for FY 2021.

The DA-PCC is commended for exceeding all its set physical targets with accomplishment rates ranging from 102% to 133% and a revenue performance of 102.01%. The agency is also praised for its disbursement rate of 100% in total disbursement authorities issued.

DBM reported that the DA-PCC managed to meet and exceed its targets despite the adversities brought about by the pandemic.

DA-PCC OIC Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Domingo congratulated all PCCeans for the commendable financial utilization report.

DBM subsequently cited several recommendations for DA-PCC’s continual improvement of performance particularly on fund utilization vis-à-vis its plans and targets, which include implementation of tighter linkage between strategic and operational planning and budgeting, as well as, promotion of better designed, well-prepared, and “shovel-ready” programs and projects. Meanwhile, DA-PCC also garnered the highest place among the nine attached agencies of the DA for two consecutive years in terms of cash utilization under the General Appropriations Act, spending 99.90% of the Php437,609,880.00 Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for FY 2020 and 100% of the Php592,079,159.00 NCA for FY 2021.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) National Headquarters and Gene Pool (NHQGP) team, led by Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro N. Mingala, visited the physical structure and site along the vicinity of the DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) V in San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur headed by Regional Director Rodel P. Tornilla, where a liquid nitrogen (LN2) depot is expected to rise.

Joining Dr. Mingala were Animal Breeding and Genomics Section Head and Scientist I Dr. Ester Flores, Planning and Information Management Division Officer-in-Charge Alvin David, Admin. Assistant IV Catherine Alyssa Licudo, and Engineer Raul Ruba. Assisting the team were Regional Livestock and Poultry Coordinator Dr. Marisa Guillermo and DA-PCC at University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Center Director and project head Dr. Thelma Saludes.

The NHQGP team further shared with the DA-RFO some of the agency’s practices in LN2 handling particularly in the National Livestock Cryobank facility as well as the requirements for physical structure of Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) tank.

LN2 is essential in preserving livestock cells and tissues in dormant state while temporarily ceasing most of their vital functions without causing death.

Said project is a joint endeavor of DA-RFO V and DA-PCC at UPLB as part of their commitment to expand technical assistance and services offered to livestock clients in order to increase farm efficiency and profitability.

Further, DA-PCC is also planning to set up additional infrastructures for workplace, quarters, and tank storage facility near the establishment.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is being drafted for the official documentation of the project.

From mining of seaweeds as an alternative feed supplement for water buffaloes, conversion of carabaos milk into solid form, to innovated techniques in determining and treating diseases in water buffalo and others; these were the areas for Research and Development (R&D) collaboration discussed during the succeeding visitation of DA-PCC National Headquarters and Genepool (NHQGP) to the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in La Union, and Swisspharma Research Laboratories, Inc. in Laguna.

On April 5-6, the DA-PCC NHQGP team led by Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Production System and Nutrition Section (PSNS) Head Mary Rose De Guia, Livestock Biotechnology Center staff, and DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director Vilma Gagni, met with DMMMSU-Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI) Director Dr. Andie John Tadeo to discuss the research project titled: Mining Alternative Feed Sources Using Seaweeds for Water Buffaloes.

De Guia presented the important benefits and components of seaweed to consider as an alternative source of feed supplement for water buffaloes in the country. Dr. Mingala was also stern to instruct precautions while conducting the project to avoid any unfavorable effect on seaweed production and sustainability of the said resources.

The following day, the team visited the seaweed farm while observing and assessing the environmental condition in the area.

On the other hand, another batch from DA-PCC NHQGP composed of Research and Development Division (RDD) Chief Dr. Marvin A. Villanueva, Product Development and Innovation Section (PDIS) Head Mina P. Abella, with Patrizia Camille O. Saturno, Science Research Specialist II, and Teresita M. Baltazar, Science Research Specialist I also met with Swisspharma President Benjamin G. Tantiansu on April 7.

President Tantiansu with R&D Head Tess Plazo and Quality Management Department (QMD) Head Sotera Jordan discussed with the DA-PCC team about research plans to convert carabao milk into powder or tablet form, particularly to support the milk feeding program of DA-PCC and DSWD. This is in response to the concern raised by PDIS head and Milk Feeding Program Coordinator Abella about their struggle on keeping Milk products fresh, particularly when reaching to clients in far flung communities.

The discussion also involved collaboration on testing of antibiotic meds for Carabao, having a customized dosage of Praziquantel as treatment for Schistosomiasis in water buffalo, development of lateral flow assay or analysis for several cattle diseases like Leptospirosis, and testing of antibiotic residues in carabao milk.

Pres. Tantiansu also indulged the team with an exclusive visit throughout the research facility, particularly in their microbiology section, R&D office, molecular testing lab section, stem cell area, and nutrition center, while also introducing to them some of their high-end research instruments and technologies in the laboratory.

Swisspharma, a Filipino- Swiss joint venture is engaged in contract manufacturing, R&D of pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and food supplements for the international and local markets employing state of the art technology as well as the latest procedures in the industry.

Anyone who hears about Aurora Province can visualize images of historical landmarks, picturesque beaches, and majestic mountains. Similar to its tourism tagline, “Aurora Rising,” a dairy processing plant and marketing outlet is set to become a tourist destination in Malasin, Maria Aurora.

Joining the popular destinations in the province such as the Museo de Baler and Doña Aurora House, the Dairy Box, which is a one-stop-shop for dairy products of dairy farmers is hoped to be added to the “must-see” bucket list of tourists.

Initial works to make this possible was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the DA-Philippine Carabao Center, the Provincial Government of Aurora, and the Cornerstone Training and Learning Center Corporation (CTLCC). The latter is a model carabao-based enterprise and a legitimate civil society organization accredited by DA.

Under the said agreement, the parties will work together to attain sustainable development objectives such as the provision of technical training and assistance at the onset of its operation, funding assistance for capability building, and formulation of policies specific for buffalo production.

Dr. Estrella Buenaventura, president of CTLCC, expects that the outlet would provide additional opportunities for the locals.

“Tatlong-taon pa lang ang aming organisasyon pero umaasa kami na mas titibay pa ang ating partnership upang dumami ang kabuhayan ng mga taga-Aurora,” she said.

Governor Gerardo Noveras also expressed his hope that the project would help alleviate if not totally eliminate the province’s malnutrition problem.

In response, DA-PCC OIC-Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Domingo, said the project will not only increase livelihood opportunities in the province but will also aid malnutrition such as the conduct of milk feeding program. He also assured the support of the agency to the organization.

“Aalalayan namin kayo. Tutulong kami sa patuloy na pagpapaunlad ng matatag na lahing kalabaw para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

The “Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita” is the battle cry of the Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary William Dar, that aims to make smallholder Filipino farmers and fisherfolks more prosperous, with the goal of doubling their incomes.

Present to witness the MOA signing were Maria Aurora Mayor Amado Genete and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Angelo Silvestre.

The activity is a component of the project titled Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN), popularized as Accelerating Livelihood Assets Buildup (ALAB)- Karbawan of the DA-PCC. It was funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar and is geared towards providing income opportunities to farmers and progressing the carabao dairy industry.

DA-PCC represented by OIC Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro N. Mingala and DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF) Center Director Dr. Maria Dinah Loculan proposed collaboration with the Bohol Island State University (BISU) on Research and Development (R&D) advancements during the Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARDEC) meeting and orientation with University President Dr. Regucivilla A. Pobar and faculty members held at BISU.

Dr. Mingala attended the meeting as part of his itinerary during his visit to the island from March 30 to April 1 with the objective of expanding the agency’s partnership and network.

Dr. Mingala proposed a MOA signing with the university and discussed plans to offer R&D services, optimization of facilities, scholarship opportunities, and research item for BISU. Dr. Mingala also enticed the university to pay a visit to the PCC National Headquarters and Genepool (NHQGP) in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija for first-hand orientation and insights into the agency’s facilities and services.

Dr. Mingala also witnessed the preparation of DA-PCC at USF for the milk feeding program implementation and the ongoing renovation and reconstruction of the damaged facilities from typhoon Odette, while also checking out the centers native “oikos”, a recently developed technology of the center which serves as compost activator.

USF Station Chief Joaquin P. Polestico Jr., In-Charge of Farm Operations Dr. Emerson Tapdasan, and Dir. Loculan also accompanied Dr. Mingala to the native pig and chicken farm where they examined the negative and devastating aftermath of the recent typhoon. Dr. Mingala mentioned potential assistance from our Cryobank unit for semen preservation of their native livestock including cattle.

The DA-PCC NHQGP team also met with Central Visayas Livestock Research and Development Facility OIC Dr. Estrella B. Mellomida and staff to discuss possible collaboration with DA-PCC to maximize and optimize laboratory equipment or facilities in line with the One DA initiative.

Zambales is known for its beautiful coastline that can easily charm any beach bum and is a go-to province as soon as summertime starts waving.

Masinloc, a coastal municipality in Zambales, is also known for its sweet mangoes, which is a source of income for the locals. Soon, tourists and locals alike will witness the booming of another industry with the groundbreaking of a Dairy Box outlet and processing facility in said town, yesterday, April 4.

Dairy Box is an infrastructure support for smallholder dairy farmers designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain access to the commercial market for greater income.

Atty. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, Representative of the 2nd District of Zambales, immediately thought of the Masinloc to be the recipient of the project because of the vibrant economic activities in the town and for the capability of its local government to sustain community-based livelihood projects for its citizens.

Initially, the Dairy Box was supposed to be built near the public wet market but Masinloc Municipal Mayor Arsenia Lim finally decided that such project that could potentially be a come-on for more tourists should be raised along the baywalk.

“When I saw the design, I immediately recommended the baywalk to be the location because the theme of the shop complements the ambiance,” Mayor Lim said.

The project will be operated by the Masinloc Farmers Agriculture Cooperative while the LGU and the DA-PCC will be providing technical training and assistance at the onset of its operation.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz, Center Director of PCC at CLSU, said this is just the beginning of a meaningful partnership between DA-PCC, the LGU, and the local farmers of Masinloc.

A MOA signing was held at the Masinloc Municipal Hall prior to the groudbreaking ceremonies. This was joined by Congresswoman Montalla, DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Dr. Claro Mingala, co-op chairperson Hermenegildo Manglicmot, and Dr. Dela Cruz.

The establishment of a Dairy Box is one of the components under the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) project funded by the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar. The CBIN aims to propel an inclusive, sustainable, and highly competitive local dairy industry.

Be in the know about the DA-Philippine Carabao Center’s (DA-PCC) profile, banner program, and latest technology outputs through its recently launched Knowledge Booth.

Initiated and conceptualized by the Learning Events and Coordination Section of the DA-PCC’s Knowledge Management Division (KMD), this one-stop information shop also serves as a showroom for carabao’s milk and meat products and the latest technology products developed by its research and development team.

The Knowledge Booth houses informative and explorative materials, one of which is a 3D infographic miniature that details the milk and meat value chain diagram from production, collection, processing, to marketing of value-added dairy and meat products.

It also features various showcase walls for DA-PCC’s Carabao Development Program, publications and other knowledge products, and the agency’s carabao industry goal and roadmap for the period 2022-2026.

“With the unwavering support of the top management, we are hopeful that the Phase 2 of this project is in the offing wherein more advanced features and interactive materials will be showcased,” KMD Chief Dr. Eric Palacpac said in his welcome remarks during the launching ceremony on March 23.

Also in attendance during the activity were DA-PCC OIC Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Domingo, Deputy Executive Director for Administration and Finance Dr. Caro Salces, Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro Mingala, KMD staff members, and DA-PCC regional center directors.

Innovation, solid collaborations, and entrepreneurship, according to Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, are what summarizes the DA-PCC’s significant contributions to the local livestock and dairy industries.

In his speech as the keynote speaker during the agency’s 29th anniversary celebration last March 21-25 at the PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Secretary Dar lauds the agency for manifesting grit and resilience amid the pandemic through its milestones showcased during the weeklong celebration.

Aptly bearing the theme, “Achieving Milestones through Grit and Resiliency,” the DA-PCC showcased 10 carabao development milestones: further expansion of the carabao value-chain through the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network and the Coconut-Carabao Development Project; participation of dairy buffalo farmers in the national milk feeding program; commercialization of the Karabun technology and Dairy Box business modality; registration to IPO Philippines of PCC developed intellectual properties, i.e. Dairy Box, Kardeli, and Nyogurt; development of the iHealth and iFodder mobile apps; updating of the Dairy Buffalo Handbook; National GAHP Certification of DA-PCC at CSU’s Institutional Herd; appointment as National Livestock Cryobank; and sustained ISO certifications.

The DA Chief also challenged the DA-PCC to use its experience of 29 years to increase carabao’s milk and meat production as well as aggressively carry out product research and development in the country.

“Think big, aim higher,” he urged the DA-PCC with emphasis on the proper implementation of the agency’s research programs and application of results, as well as private sector investments. These, he said, will boost milk production in the country.

Dr. Ronnie Domingo, DA-PCC’s OIC-Executive Director, assured that the agency will continue to strengthen the implementation of the Carabao Industry Roadmap for 2020-2025, the implementation of the School-based Milk Feeding Program, and the operation of the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network and Coconut-Carabao Development projects.

On the other hand, Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, virtually sent her warm wishes to the agency saying that she commends the agency for overcoming the many challenges brought about by the pandemic and the obstacles to fully realize its mandate. She said her office will continue to advocate and support the agency’s cause.

A lineup of activities that aimed to strengthen employee engagement were conducted during the weeklong celebration. These included the National Women’s Month celebration, mental health awareness and wellness, launching of the Knowledge Booth, Karwanan Night, and the employees’ appreciation and recognition.

It was during the latter that five of the agency’s Outstanding Employees for 2021 were recognized. They were: Benjamin John Basilio, Center Director of DA-PCC at USM as Outstanding Center Director; Dr. Thelma Saludes, Center Director of DA-PCC at UPLB as Outstanding Researcher; Dr. Edward Paraguison, Science Research Specialist of DA-PCC at CLSU as Outstanding Supervisor; Janice Cuaresma, CBED coordinator of DA-PCC at WVSU as Outstanding Development Officer; and Rolly Ardeño of DA-PCC at LCSF as Outstanding Support Staff.