The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) hosted the DA-PCC’s Luzon island cluster 31st anniversary celebration with the theme “Excellence in Unity” today, March 8 at the CLSU Multi-Purpose Gym.

The five regional centers in Luzon comprising DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University, DA-PCC at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU), DA-PCC at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU), DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU), and DA-PCC at University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB).

“Ang mga universities natin give birth to PCC, dito sa PCC at CLSU isinilang ang PCC through Philippine carabao research and development center and it just shows the excellence ng ating mga university. It is through unity that we have excellence, so ‘yung pangalan na naka-attach sa atin is symbol of excellence because our universities are the center of excellence at sana ay magawa natin ang excellent in service na ito,” Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA -PCC Deputy Executive Director said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Liza G. Battad, executive director of DA-PCC, presented the Cluster Industry Briefer in her speech.

“We want you to be as proud as we are, proud ako to share that the carabao population has been steady despite the high extraction rate of buffaloes and committed to produce at least 45,000 a year to somehow cope with the extraction rate. Gusto kong maging proud kayo kasama namin dahil we use our own Philippine dairy carabao breed as source of PCC’s genetic improvement and expertise in genomics and breeding to build a carabao herd in strategic areas” Dr. Battad emphasized.

Also present during the celebration were Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director; Dr. Rovina R. Piñera, DA-PCC at CSU Center Director; Joel F. Cabading, DA-PCC at MMSU OIC Center Director; Vilma C. Gagni, DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director;Jose C. Canaria, DA-PCC at UPLB OIC-Center Director; and Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, DA-PCC Chief of Research and Development Division, as well as awardees and partners.

During his keynote speech, Dr. Edgar A. Orden, the Director of the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium, underscored the notable achievements of the PCC in advancing the Carabao industry over a span of 31 years. Additionally, he praised the DA-PCC for its commendable accomplishments.

“In 2023 ang atin pong kalabaw sa buong bansa ay umaabot ng halos 2.8 at mahigit 250, 000 ang nandito sa ating Luzon cluster and the volume of milk produced in the country based on the 2021 data is about 26.3 million and the contribution of the PCC is 29%, and this is more than 100% of what you have promise. Moreover, about 70, 684 heads were inseminated in the country.” Orden said.

During the program, an audio-visual production was shown to summarize the Luzon cluster industry milestones and DA-PCC’s partners were recognized.

A ceremonial kick-off for the Dairy Herd Buildup project also took place, a symbolic act of unity to bring together the DA-PCC regional centers and its partners, and pledge of support to cement future undertakings.

A carabao-based products exhibit also highlighted the event showcasing hide, meat and dairy delicacies.