Four research and development papers from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) were recognized during the 61st Scientific Meeting and Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) held on October 22-25 at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City.
With the theme “Progressive and Food-secure for the Philippine Animal Industry,” this year’s convention highlighted the commitment to advancing the country’s animal farming sector while ensuring sustainable food production.
Over the four-day event, the best papers were recognized in different categories:
Maureen Gajeton’s study on the “Application of Microsatellite Multiplex Panels for Parentage Verification in Water Buffaloes and Cattle” was chosen as the best paper under the applied research category. The other authors of the study were Dr. Melinda Reyes, Maria Rica Yusi and Dr. Ester Flores.
Scientist II Dr. Eufrocina Atabay’s study bagged the best paper under the biotechnology category entitled “Improved A.I. Efficiency through an Ovarian Structure-based Controlled Breeding Program in Post-partum Water Buffaloes.” Her co-authors were Dr. Edwin Atabay, Dr. Carlito Dela Cruz, Dr. Excel Rio Maylem, Jhon Paul Apolinario, and Roseline Tadeo.
The research entitled “Application of Parentage Verification in Selected Cattle Farms in the Philippines,” authored by Millen Angeline Garcia, was awarded the best paper in the development category. Her co-authors included Yujiner Dela Cruz, Maureen Gajeton, Maria Rica Yusi, Melinda Reyes, and Dr. Ester Flores.
Finally, the study “Effectiveness of KBGAN Learning Videos on Improving the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dairy Carapreneurs” was chosen as the best paper under the socioeconomics category presented and authored by Dr. Eric Palacpac. The other authors of the study were Ronaline Canute, Camille De Gracia, Rowena Galang, and Ma. Cecilia Mariano.
Meanwhile, select DA-PCC researchers were also recognized:
Dr. Peregrino Duran as 2024 COMPANIA J.M. INC. Distinguished Researcher in Animal Science Awardee; Dr. Lawrence Belotindos as 2024 PSAS-Vethealth Corporation Outstanding Young Professional in Animal Science Research Awardee; and Joel Cabading as 2024 PSAS-Superior Stock Farm Outstanding Young Professional in Animal Science Research Awardee.
The PSAS is a professional non-profit organization comprised of veterinarians, animal scientists, and practitioners in related fields across the country conducting research that is relevant to the developments in the field of animal science. Its annual scientific seminar and convention serve as a venue for knowledge-sharing through presentations of scientific papers and posters, as well as plenary sessions tackling issues and challenges confronting the industry.
