Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Two faculty researchers from Central Mindanao University (CMU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) represented the university at the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA) Scientific Meeting 2025, held on April 28 to 30, 2025 at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Dr. Alan P. Dargantes, University Professor and Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, and Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes, Assistant Professor from the CVM Department of Microbiology, Pathology, Parasitology, and Public Health were among the only eight delegates from the Philippines. Both are diplomates of the Philippine College of Veterinary Epidemiologists (PCVE).
The two faculty members presented scientific posters that showcased CMU’s ongoing research on the Epidemiology and Control of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mindanao. Dr. Alan P. Dargantes presented their Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)-funded research on “Understanding the Epidemiology of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mindanao, Southern Philippines towards its Control,” while Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes presented a PCVE-funded study on the “Epidemiology of African Swine Fever in Pork Products and Slaughtered Pigs and the Lived Experiences of Selected Stakeholders in Davao de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines,” highlighting the social and economic impacts of ASF on local communities in Mindanao.
Dr. Alan shared that the experience was humbling and inspiring, highlighting the hope for effective solutions through global collaboration and community engagement.
“The experience was both humbling and inspiring. Hearing firsthand the diverse strategies and challenges from researchers around the world gave us hope that through collaboration and community-engaged interventions, we can build more effective and inclusive solutions to protect both our pigs and livelihoods,” Dr. Alan said
The GARA scientific meeting, organized by GARA, FAO, and Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global, brought together ASF researchers, veterinarians, academicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the latest developments in ASF epidemiology, prevention strategies, vaccine development, immunology, diagnostics, and economic impacts. It also served as a key platform for international collaboration and scientific exchange.
The CMU delegates also actively engaged with fellow researchers and academicians to explore future collaborative projects, further strengthening CMU’s position in global ASF research networks. Their participation was made possible through the generous financial support of the USDA-CRDF Global, FAO, GARA, CMU, and the GREASE Network – Management of Emerging Risks in Southeast Asia, with research funding from BAI and PCVE. This global engagement highlights CMU’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions to critical animal health challenges. It contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by supporting efforts to improve food security, safeguard livelihoods, and prevent disease threats in the Philippines and beyond. [Dr. Kassey Alsylle T. Dargantes, Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
