The DA Livestock Biotechnology Center (DA-LBC) conducted its year-end project assessment at the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) in Baler, Aurora, from December 11 to 13, 2024. The 3-day activity aimed to evaluate the project’s progress, connect with local stakeholders, and plan for future strategies.
ASCOT President Dr. Renato Reyes shared during the courtesy visit that the province of Aurora is blessed with natural resources, including diverse flora and fauna. Nonetheless, certain species face the threat of extinction and need conservation measures. Acknowledging this issue, Dr. Reyes conveyed their institution’s intent to leverage biotechnology to explore and preserve the rich biodiversity of Aurora Province.
This initiative led to a collaboration between DA-LBC and ASCOT in pursuit of a common goal: optimizing biotechnology through research and development efforts focused on exploring and conserving biodiversity as well as maximizing the utilization of untapped resources in Aurora province all the while benefiting the greater community.
To solidify this vision, the partnering institutions initiated a roundtable discussion regarding the potential research areas in Aurora province, such as characterization, tagging, and conservation of native animals; profiling and epidemiological analysis and control of parasites; enhancement in the processing of beta-glucan from mushrooms as an immunostimulant for livestock animals; identification of compounds for drug discovery from mushrooms and other native flora and fauna (marine) as a source of antimicrobials; ethnoveterinary and ethnobiological research; and biological control strategies. SMART Agriculture, apiculture research, capability-building activities, particularly on molecular biology, and equine science for draft water buffalo were also covered.
This collaboration will bolster one of the Center’s objectives by translating research and development initiatives into innovative solutions and strategies that could uplift local livelihoods through enhanced agricultural practices with applied biotechnology.