Dr. Arnel N. Del Barrio took his oath of office on June 24 as the newly appointed acting executive director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) before Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture.
He succeeds Dr. Libertado C. Cruz, who took his compulsory retirement in early January this year. He served as PCC head for some 20 years.
The oath-taking ceremony was held during the 2nd Quarter Department of Agriculture Management Committee (Mancom) Meeting at Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Prior to his appointment, Del Barrio was the center director of the PCC at University of the Philippines Los Banos (PCC at UPLB).
His first stint at PCC started as science research specialist under what was then the Philippine Carabao Research and Development Center (PCRDC) project in 1983. He became center director in 1997.
In 2010, Del Barrio and PCC at UPLB were cited as “Most Outstanding Center Director” and “Outstanding Regional Center”, respectively.
His effective leadership was also recognized by other professional organizations having served as president of Philippine Society of Animal Science in 2007 to 2008, Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists in 2003 to 2005 and the Associations of Professionals in Livestock Production in 2000 to 2001.
He was also awarded the “2000 Outstanding Young Scientist” by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) for his significant contributions to science and technology.
His professional expertise and credibility as animal nutritionist and technical specialist earned him unanimous approval to be conferred the rank of Scientist I under the Scientific Career System effective March 5, 2014. His conferment as Scientist I will be on June 30, 2014.
Del Barrio finished his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at University of the Philippines, Los Banos and has had masteral and post-graduate courses in ruminant nutrition in the same institution.
