The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Bureau of Animal Industry, and the Accredited Swine Breeders Association of the Philippines (ASBAP) to operationalize the Swine Genetics Analytical Service Laboratory (SGASL).
Signing parties included PCAARRD Executive Director, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora; PCC Executive Director, Dr. Arnel N. del Barrio; Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC-Director, Dr. Ronnie D. Domingo, and ASBAP President, Dr. Romulo M. Parayao.
Established in 2016, SGASL is a cooperative endeavor among DOST-PCAARRD, PCC, and ASBAP to support the BAI’s Swine Breeder Farm Accreditation Program (SBFAP). PCAARRD provides specialized laboratory equipment for genetic analysis and evaluation, PCC shares its expertise on genetic testing protocols, BAI provides facility to house the laboratory equipment, and ASBAP manages the operation of the laboratory.
The MOA signing took place during the 28th National Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits organized by the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (ProPork) and the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. held at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City from April 4-6, 2019.