Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Reaffirming its position as the premier agricultural research institution in the region, Central Mindanao University hosted the 2nd Regional Livestock Biotechnology Symposium on August 19-20, 2026 at the University Convention Center.
Centered on the theme “Pagsulong sa Masaganang Industriya ng Paghahayupan,” the two-day event brought together scientists, policymakers, and local producers to explore how modern biotechnology can address critical agricultural challenges, including transboundary diseases, soaring feed costs, and climate change. Furthermore, the symposium emphasized the urgency of bridging laboratory research and field-level adoption.
In his virtual address, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis G. Perez stressed the need to strengthen local scientific and technical capacity to support the livestock sector.
“Biotechnology should not be viewed as an immediate cure, but rather as a practical instrument to improve disease diagnostics, enhance feed efficiency, support genetic selection, and strengthen reproductive management over time,” Atty. Perez said.
He also highlighted the DA’s efforts to better target investments, strengthen governance and extension services, collaborate with local government units, support remote communities, improve infrastructure, and establish science-based regulations.
The plenary sessions showcased breakthrough studies focused on advancing the livestock industry across several key domains. On biosecurity and disease management, DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) Director Dr. Claro N. Mingala explained how precision gene editing like CRISPR-Cas9 enhances livestock health without leaving foreign DNA. Meanwhile, CMU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Alan P. Dargantes revealed that Surra costs the country PhP 3.3 billion annually, urging the establishment of a national control program.
Addressing feed technology and local resources, Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña of the University of Southern Mindanao detailed Mindanao’s botanical forage for Halal small ruminants, while Dr. Claire Bularon-Salvedia of Mindanao State University demonstrated how native probiotics boost milk quality and smallholder goat farm profits.
In genetic preservation and field adoption, DA-PCC Cryobank Head Dr. Lilian P. Villamor highlighted cryopreservation efforts safeguarding native livestock breeds, while University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria’s Dr. Imelda U. Hebron outlined artificial insemination strategies for Northern Mindanao dairy cattle.
Concluding the sessions, “Farmer Champions” Ms. Nida P. Abellanosa of Abellanosa Dairy Farm and Dr. John Ubald I. Acapulco of Jerasenes Farm illustrated how zero-waste circular farming, systematic health tracking, and overcoming technology cost barriers translate laboratory science into sustainable everyday farm management.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Winson M. Gutierrez, Center Director of PCC at CMU, reiterated the overarching theme of the symposium.
“Innovation does not always mean importing a solution. Sometimes, innovation begins by scientifically understanding, validating, and improving the resources we already have,” Dr. Gutierrez said.
He urged the audience to anchor their efforts on the symposium’s core message: asking the right questions grounded in real farmer struggles, sharing laboratory insights to actively transform agriculture, and continuously learning together as biotechnology evolves. Above all, he emphasized the vital need for institutions, government agencies, and farmers to collaborate to modernize the livestock industry.
The event was organized by the Department of Agriculture through the Biotech Program Office and the Livestock Biotechnology Center, in collaboration with CMU, DA-PCC, the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD), and the Province of Bukidnon. The symposium was held in support of the upcoming 22nd National Biotechnology Week in September. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
