The Philippine Carabao Center’s (PCC) genetic improvement program (GIP) has been strengthened some more with the installation of various laboratory equipment provided by the PCC-Korean International Coordination Agency (KOICA) project.
The project titled “Enhancing Livestock Sector Performance in the Philippines”, made possible the installation of 50 new pieces of equipment in the PCC main headquarters and at the PCC at Central Luzon State University (PCC at CLSU) last February 12-17.
The state-of-the-art laboratory equipment was installed to further advance the existing PCC GIP which is aimed at improving the productivity of the buffalos in the country.
The laboratory equipment will be used in performance test, genetic evaluation, distribution of prepotency, and conservation of genetic resources.
The installation of the office equipment is also expected to improve the institutionalized data capture system, genetic data analysis and evaluation system, and unified web-based genetic information system which are very much needed in the program.
Earlier, PCC personnel were sent to Korea for the needed training and workshop on the proper utilization of the installed equipment.
In addition, 10 pieces of laboratory equipment were put up in the Artificial Insemination Center at Barangay Joson in Carranglan, Nuva Ecija which is under the PCC at CLSU office.
Thirty representatives from KOICA came to help in the installation of the equipment. They were composed of seven members of the project management committee, seven researchers, and 16 suppliers.
The Department of Agriculture-PCC-KOICA project started in November 2010. The government of the Republic of Korea, through the KOICA, made the equipment available.
The Korean government, as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding, shall provide a grant aid in the tune of ,000,000.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on November 5, 2010 by the representatives of the Department of Agriculture and KOICA.
