Several researchers from the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) received awards during the 51st Scientific Seminar and Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Animal Scientists (PSAS) held on October 21-25 in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.
Dr. Danilda H. Duran, Scientist I at PCC’s Reproductive Biotechnology Unit, was bestowed the “PSAS Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. Distinguished Researcher in Animal Science” award for her various works on livestock biotechnology development.
Two papers from the PCC also won the “Best Paper” award under separate categories.
Dr. Eric P. Palacpac’s study “To Milk or Not to Milk: Understanding Characteristics and Behavioral Intentions of Crossbred Buffalo Owners in San Agustin, Isabela” was chosen “Best Paper” under the socio-economic category.
On the other hand, the study “Genetic Screening of Scrotal Hernia in Domesticated Swine using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism” done by Jessica G. Manalaysay, researcher at the PCC Animal Health Unit (AHU), bagged the same award under the breeding and genetics category.
Meanwhile, the work of Ryan Bismark C. Padiernos, also from AHU, titled “Molecular Characterization of Gal-9 and TIM-3 Genes of Swamp-type and Riverine-type Water Buffaloes” was chosen as “Best Poster”.
The PSAS is a professional non-profit organization that comprises veterinarians, animal scientists and practitioners in related fields across the country conducting researches relative to the animal industry. Its annual scientific seminar and convention serve as venue for knowledge-sharing between and among its members through presentations on scientific papers and posters as well as plenary sessions tackling issues and challenges confronting the industry.
This year’s gathering revolved around the theme, “Equipping Veterinarians and Animal Scientists for ASEAN 2015.”
According to Dr. Rosalina M. Lapitan, incumbent PSAS president and officer-in-charge of PCC’s regional center at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), the theme reflects the concerted efforts of its members in responding to the various challenges posed by the impending integration of member- countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into one community.
The event featured paper and poster presentations under different disciplines as well as plenary sessions tackling the present and future challenges confronting the industry relative to the ASEAN integration.
A farmers’ forum regarding the issues faced by the stakeholders of the dairy industry in Mindanao was also spearheaded by the PCC’s regional center at the Central Mindanao University (PCC at CMU).
