Inauguration of the Livestock Genetic Improvement Laboratory, IAS Alumnus Gives Back

September 4, 2019

Dr. Sulabo (left) and Dr. Arboleda (right) assist Mascariñas during the
ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of CA Elbo

Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas (IAS alumnus, president and general manager of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc.) donated funds for the renovation and improvement of the old Animal Breeding Laboratory housed at the 2^nd floor of Villegas Hall, Animal Breeding Division, IAS. The renovated structure was renamed Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas Livestock Genetic Improvement Laboratory and was inaugurated last August 30.

The state-of-the-art statistical computing facility, conceptualized by Dr. Orville L. Bondoc (Animal Breeding professor) is dedicated to meet advanced training and research needs of the animal breeding industry. This laboratory will help faculty, researchers, and students in doing relevant researches in animal breeding towards characterization and improvement of local animal genetic resources.

In his inaugural message, Mascariñas, emphasized the expectations of the country from UP graduates and his advocacy for nationalism.

“Responsibilidad natin bilang iskolar ng bayan na bigyan ng pag-asa ang ating mga kababayan at iahon sila, isama natin, iangkas natin sa ating pag-asenso,” he said.

The event concluded with the signing of the Deed of Donation, followed by ribbon cutting ceremony in the laboratory. During the ceremony, CAFS officials expressed their gratitude to Mascariñas for his philanthropy. IAS Director Rommel C. Sulabo, Associate Dean for Instruction Adeliza Dorado, Associate Dean for Research and Extension Barbara L. Caoili, Drs. Angel L. Lambio and Cecilio R. Arboleda (past Animal Breeding professors and professor emeriti) were all thankful and proud of this significant event.

Also present were Professor Emeritus Carmencita D. Mateo; Drs. Orlando A. Palad, Nimfa A. Roxas, and Domingo B. Roxas (retired faculty members); and current IAS faculty, REPS, administrative staff, undergraduate and graduate students, and members of UP Animal Science Society.