The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) maintains its position as a premier research institution by successfully concluding the Agency In-House Review of ongoing and completed research studies held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, from September 6 to 9, 2023.

Organized by the Research and Development Division (RDD), this annual event aims to review and evaluate research studies conducted by various divisions and regional centers.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, OIC Executive Director of DA-PCC, emphasized the vital role of research in the agency's evolution over the past 30 years. He pointed out the impact on the value chain that has economically benefited dairy farmers. Dr. Salces also encouraged current researchers to continue strengthening research collaborations to further enhance the country's milk sufficiency.

A total of 35 ongoing and completed studies were presented and reviewed by a panel of experts, including Dr. Elfren Celestino of Central Luzon State University, Dr. Jaime Manalo IV of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dr. Ronnie Domingo (former OIC Executive Director of DA-PCC), Dr. Joice San Andres, Dr. Joseph Dela Cruz, and Mr. Michael Angelo Esteban from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

These papers were categorized under four thematic areas: Genetic Improvement-Animal Genomics or Genetic Diversity and Cryopreservation, Biosafety Production Systems and Nutrition, and Socio-Economic Dimensions of Carabao Development Program Implementation.

The criteria for judging the “Best Presenter” included clarity, logic, quality of presentation, response to questions, and timeliness. In contrast, the “Best Paper” was chosen based on Introduction and Literature Review, Methodology, Results Discussions, Conclusion, Delivery, and Ways Forward and Plans.

Two studies were recognized as winners in the "Best Biotech Papers” category: Dr. Ester B. Flores was acknowledged for her study titled, "Development of real-time ultrasound scanning and DNA marker selection protocols for meat, carcass, and fertility traits of Philippine native pigs: Sub-study: Genetic parameters and significant gene markers for fertility and growth traits of Philippine native pigs from two herds in South Luzon," and Maureen Gajeton was recognized for her study, "Development of a multiplex panel of microsatellite markers for routine parentage testing in buffalo and cattle."

Dr. Flores was also named this year’s “Best Presenter.”

On the other hand, Dr. Randolph Tolentino received the "Best Development Paper" citation for his study titled, "Epidemiological Analysis of Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Leptospirosis in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Dairy Cooperatives in Nueva Ecija, Philippines."

Furthermore, Zeshalyn Fajardo earned the "Best Thesis" award for her study titled, "The Relationship of Follicle Size and Oestrous Manifestation with Pregnancy Rate in Water Buffaloes under Two Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Protocols."