UPCSA members, together with the participants during the outreach program (Photo courtesy of UPCSA)

The UP Concordia Scientia Animalis (UPCSA) conducted various activities last October 7-12 to celebrate the Animal Science Awareness Week, with the theme “Economically Important Diseases and Their Impact to the Filipino Farmers”.

To kick-off the week-long celebration, an educational discussion was held last October 7 at the Animal Science Lecture Hall (ASLH) 2.  Attended by UPLB students, the said activity had two guest speakers (Dr. Percival Sangel from the Institute of Animal Science and Prof. Bates Bathan from the College of Economics and Management). Dr. Sangel discussed the basics of  African Swine Fever (ASF) and the importance of biosecurity while  Prof. Bathan explained the impact of economically important diseases to Filipino farmers.

On October 8,  Libreng Sakay was offered to UPLB constituents to inform UPLB students about UPCSA events. It is also their simple way to show gratitude by providing free transportation fare.

Also part of the celebration was the conduct of the Kahayupan Quiz Contest: Family Feud 2^nd Edition last October 9 at the ASLH 2. It was participated by undergraduate and MS students from different UPLB colleges. Dr. Antonio Rayos and Prof. Julie Ross Datuin, both from the IAS, served as judges.

An informative exhibit, which ran from October 7 to 11, showcased information and photographs about ASF and Avian Influenza to create awareness about this timely issue.

Lastly, an Outreach Program highlighting tocino and salted egg-making was conducted last October 12 at Barangay Tuntungin-Putho, Los Baños, Laguna. It was attended by 13 selected housewives. Tocino products from Universal Robina Farms were also given to the participants.

UPCSA, an academic organization which caters to Animal Science major students, aims to promote and spread awareness about animal science as a field in agriculture.