Faculty and staff of the Institute disjoints into commodity groups during the breakout session. (Photo courtesy of EB Carandang)

The Institute of Animal Science (IAS), headed by its Director, Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., set its key priority area in instruction, research, and public service to move toward food security and safety during its 2018 RDE/Academic Workshop and Strategic Planning at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, June 18-19.

The Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science, Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, expressed his appreciation to the Institute for organizing such timely event as this. He warmly welcomed the guests and participants and conveyed his support to the initiative of the Institute.

Different speakers from various government agencies were invited to give insights on the problems and challenges of the Animal Science Industry, and to discuss the trend and prospects in livestock production which served as a basis on the workshop proper.

To give an overview of the current status, problems, and prospects of the animal industry in the county, Ms. Maria Laarni P. Cerna, Science Research Specialist, was invited on behalf of Dr. Ronnie D. Domingo, OIC of the Bureau of Animal Industry. Meanwhile, representative from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research, Ms. Cynthia Remedios V. de Guia bid the faculty and researchers from the Institute to tailor-fit their research agenda with the DA-BAR Research Priority Program Thrusts for possible grants and funding. Finally, Mr. Ronilo O. de Castro, Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development discussed the DOST-PCAARRD Research Priority Program Thrusts which also provided hindsight for research funding. Attended by faculty, REPS, and support staff, the plenary sessions provided a platform for both academicians and practitioners to discuss future integrations. Dr. Percival P. Sangel, Chairperson of IAS R&D Committee, and Dr. Nenita L. de Castro, Chair of IAS Extension Committee, delivered comprehensive reports on the Institute’s research, development, and extension activities and identified possible direction for implementable activities.

One of the key projects that the committee leaders are keen to emphasize in the coming years includes commodity-based and sustainable animal production in extending public service in nearby-communities.

Similarly, updates on the BSA (Animal Science) Curriculum were discussed by Dr. Christine B. Adiova, Chairperson of IAS Curriculum Committee. Prof. Medino Gedeun N. Yebron Jr., Coordinator of the BS ABT Curriculum, delivered a short review on the BS ABT (Animal Biotechnology) curriculum.

Asst. Prof. Mark Lester M. Chico from the College of Development Communication was invited to facilitate the workshop and moderate the open forum. To assist him was Mr. Ryan Jay I. Galang of the same College.

Ultimately, the theme “Toward food security and inclusive economic development, advancing safe and healthy animal products thru effective production systems and management practices” was agreed to serve as an inspiration for future RDE thrusts of the Institute. Dr. Agbisit expressed his hope that the result of this year’s conference will be favorably carried on as a guide to assist the concerned divisions and units of the Institute in preparing and implementing the roadmap to achieving its vision and mission.