Dr. Libertado C. Cruz, executive director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), was cited as the 2013 lecture-honoree during the 50th scientific seminar and annual convention of the Philippine Society of Animal Scientists (PSAS) held on October 22-25 in Tagaytay City, Cavite.
His significant contributions to the Philippine animal industry, including his advocacy on the use of biotechnology in veterinary and animal science as well as his more than two decades of heading the PCC, made him a unanimous choice for the honors, PSAS stated. Four other PCC staff were also cited during the gathering, which coincided with the golden anniversary of PSAS.
Dr. Eufrocina Atabay, head of PCC’s Reproductive Biotechnology Unit of PCC, was bestowed the PSAS Bounty Agro-Venture, Inc. Distinguished Researcher in Veterinary Science Award in recognition of “her outstanding and original studies that led to the creation of innovative technologies in the field of veterinary and animal science.”
Meanwhile, Jose Canaria, senior science research specialist stationed at PCC at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB), was hailed as PSAS-Equalivet, Inc. Outstanding Professional in Veterinary/Animal Science Extension. As an extensionist, Canaria helped organize and assist various farmers’ organizations. He also conducted numerous trainings, workshops and seminars for the benefit of farmers.
Dr. Prudencio Pedro of PCC’s Repro-Biotech Unit and Catherine Dabalos of PCC at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) were bestowed the “Best Paper” award for their respective researches.
Pedro’s paper titled “Buffalo and Bovine Embryo Development from In-Vitro Matured Oocytes derived from Slaughterhouse through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Technique” was adjudged best paper under the biotechnology category. His paper merited him the same award during the PCC’s annual in house review held in May.
Dabalos’ study titled “Reducing Calf Morbidity and Mortality through Improved Housing Management and Early Introduction of Concentrates and Forage Grasses” shared the stellar award as the best paper in the applied research category.
Held annually, this year’s PSAS scientific gathering included a series of lectures and scientific seminars featuring topics that focused on developments in animal and veterinary science. It also highlighted the presentation of honors and citations to the organization’s deserving members in recognition of their outstanding contributions whether in the academe, research and extension, and in the animal industry as a whole.
