I n continuously fulfilling the mandate of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) to be the lead agency in livestock biotechnology research and development, the Research and Development Division (RDD) hosted the 2022 R4D InHouse, MFO-Oriented, and Special Projects Review at the DA-PCC national headquarters and gene pool, on September 21-23, 2022.

Aside from its mandate to conserve, propagate, and promote carabao as a source of livelihood and nutrition for rural farming communities, the DA-PCC proves to be a premier institution for livestock research through its various completed and ongoing R4D initiatives.

"In this activity, there will be active discussion and thorough evaluation of the researches that will be made, reassessment, and refocusing on research priorities in directly addressing the industry problems, strategizing for a more holistic approach in doing research, and establishing connection or collaboration, especially with the peer evaluators," underscored by DAPCC Scientist and RDD OIC Chief Dr. Marvin A. Villanueva.

Dr. Villanueva pointed out three things that the researchers must inculcate: the focus that helps in assessing the most important, the innovation that generates continuous development including the technology transfer, and the collaboration inside and outside the agency for a more holistic approach to the projects.

Said event presented 28 R4D studies with the seven thematic areas of reproductive biotechnology, animal nutrition, institutional development, breeding and genetics, animal health, socio-economics dimensions of CDP Implementation, and product development, wherein 13 are completed and 15 are still ongoing.

The papers were evaluated by the research experts and notable professors from the different campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP), namely Dr. Jessica D. Rey, Assistant Professor from UP-Diliman; Dr. Lotis E. Mopera, Director and Associate Professor VII from UP-Los Baños, and Dr. Pedcris M. Orencio, Associate Professor from UP-Open University. Along with them is another research wizard, Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Visayas State University (VSU).

Through the in-depth critiques of the evaluators, the winners for Best Completed Paper and Best Oral Presenter in the 2022 In-House Review were declared on the third day of the event.

Best Completed Papers were awarded to Ms. Laarni Parungao for the development category, Ms. Jonalyn Delos Santos for the biotechnology category, and Ms. Lilian Villamor for the student thesis category. Also, Ms. Villamor was acknowledged as the Best Oral Presenter.

The event also recognized Dr. Lawrence Belotindos as the earliest researcher to submit a paper; for that, he received the Early Calf Awardee. This additional recognition encourages all participants to submit their papers on time.

Meanwhile, DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces also inspired young and prominent researchers by sharing strategic plans to continuously align the R4D studies until the next generation, in which he mentioned the significance of career growth and economic growth.

"We have the opportunity to review our works. We need to analyze these studies to acquire change and improvement, as well as answering the industry questions," said Dr. Salces.

The R4D in-house review is annually conducted to track the statuses and showcase the achievements of the DA-PCC’s studies, which benefit its stakeholders, clients, and partner agencies.