Japan-backed animal science volunteers highlight “PPP” in 2025 Oro convention

 

Cagayan de Oro City – The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer – Philippine Animal Science Association (JOCV-PASA) underscored the importance of public-private partnership (PPP) to bolster the local livestock industry during its 37th Annual Consultative Meeting and Continuing Education on July 9 to 11, here.

With the theme, encapsulating a vision where farmers, extension workers, and technology developers work together for a resilient, efficient, and sustainable livestock industry, the convention is a gathering of stakeholders from the national and local government agencies, the academe, and private institutions to tackle relevant issues and trends, research and latest technologies in livestock industry.

Members of JOCV-PASA were apprised on fetal sexing in dairy cattle and ultrasound in small ruminants. Research on Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), dairy wastes optimization, diversity and diet analysis of Tabanids (commonly as horseflies – a mechanical vector of animal diseases) were also presented during the convention.

In his keynote message, DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, stressed the roles of the private entities in scaling the country’s livestock production. Reflecting on the swine and chicken industries, he urged for the government and the private sector to work in synergy to boost the local cattle and goat production, starting with a collaborative genetic improvement program.

For his part, DA Region 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the need for the government to partner with the private sector to innovate the existing business model in agriculture. He urged the livestock industry stakeholders to go beyond the “sari-sari store model” by consolidating livestock-focused programs of the government for optimal industry development.

The JOCV-PASA 2025 convention was capped with a veterinary outreach program in Sitio Patag, Barangay Pongol, Libona, Bukidnon. The team distributed vitamins and dewormed 20 head cattle and 5 head goats.

Demonstrations on artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasound technology were also conducted during the outreach program.

The JOCV-PASA was founded in 1987 through the collaboration between the JOCV and the PASA. The organization mainly aims to foster international partnership in advocating best practices and sharing technical expertise in animal husbandry and livestock disease management.

Wille D. Nacalaban, a retired Supervising Science Research Specialist of the DA-Region 10, serves as JOCV-PASA president for CY 2024-2025. # (ATT)