2001
In January, a satellite laboratory for reproductive biotechniques in buffaloes was established at the facilities of the Frigorifico Allana Limited in Aurangabad, India.
The establishment of the satellite laboratory was part of the project ‘Production of High Genetics Water Buffaloes through the Use of Reproductive Biotechniques’.
On March, vitrified IVM/IVF-derived embryos produced in the PCC laboratory in India were brought to the country and consequently transferred to the BMB cows at the PCC’s national gene pool and nearby village.
2002
On April 5, the world’s first calf produced out of in-vitro produced-vitrified-warmed embryo was born. This coincided with the 55th birthday of President Gloria M. Arroyo, inspiring PCC officials and scientists to name her GLORY.
On May 22, the Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabao Cooperatives (NEFEDCCO) was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.
On December 12, PCC’s Research and Training facilities were inaugurated.
2003
On January, the Philippine Carabao Center was accredited to the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 9001:2000.
2004
In January, twin buffalo calves from embryos fertilized in vitro were born, a breakthrough in reproductive biotechnology.
In October, PCC-DA, in cooperation with the International Buffalo Federation and Philippine Society of Animal Science, organized and hosted the 7th World Buffalo Congress, which focused on the challenges and opportunities of buffalo-based enterprises in the context of changing trade regulations and consumer demand.
In December, the Bureau of Food and Drugs issued to PCC a manufacturing license for milk and cheeses.
2005
PCC strengthened linkages with the Dairy Development Foundation of the Philippines Inc., (DDFPI) on the advocacy for “White Revolution” spearheaded by Hon. Leticia R. Shahani and supported by Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, as well as Laguna Congressman Benjamin Agarao. This collaboration resulted in the implementation of the following projects:
- In August, a Family Dairy Module techno-demo in Tulog, Urdaneta Pangasinan, in partnership with Budhi ng Pilipinas Foundation.
- A 25-head carabao dairy module of the Bantog Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan. This was made possible through a Ph1M fund assistance from the office of Senator Magsaysay sourced through the Technology Applications and Promotions Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (TAPI-DOST).
- In November, a dairy carabao module for women’s cooperative in General Trias, Cavite through a Php240,000-fund assistance from the United Nations Foundation for Women (UNIFEM) facilitated by the DDFPI in collaboration with PCC at UPLB.
Major initiatives were undertaken, namely:
- Commercialization of mature technologies developed by PCC, in collaboration with the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR-DA) involving production of embryos and high genetics calves, utilizing facilities in India with financial support from Senator Magsaysay and the Department of Agrarian Reform.
- Biotechnology efforts on somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or cloning with the intent of producing “super buffaloes”.
- Genetic and habitat conservation of the endangered species – the Tamaraw – in collaboration with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and concerned local government units in Mindoro Island.
2006
A nationwide project dubbed as “Expanding the Reach of AI Program for the Acceleration of Dairy Herd Build-Up” was launched to hasten the expansion of the country’s dairy herd. This undertaking sought to train some 2,000 village- and-coop-based AI technicians as well as technicians of local government units (LGUs) in various parts of the country.
PCC heightened its research and development efforts, particularly in the area of reproductive biotechnology, in furtherance of the desired goal of upgrading the genetic potentials of the Philippine carabao for milk and meat.
- The R&D activities focused on cryopreservation of buffalo embryos and cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- A 130-page full-color book, aptly entitled “Changing Lives… Beyond the Draft Carabao”, was launched. This publication captures the experiences of dairy buffalo farmers and their families across the nation.
- A three-year renewal of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Certification 9001:2000 was secured after passing the rigorous audit conducted by SGS (Societe’ Generale Surveillance) Philippines. The renewed certification is proof that PCC is an ISO-compliant organization, particularly with regard to quality management systems (QMS).
- A three-year project on Environmental Animal Health Management was launched in June. The environmental animal health management initiative (EAHMI), funded by the Italian government and supervised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, was jointly implemented by BAI, PCC and NDA. The undertaking sought to develop capabilities for the Philippines to have a safer, cleaner and more productive animal production environment with small-holder livestock farmers and consumers as the ultimate beneficiaries.
