18/06/2026
IN PHOTOS | ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ, ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ
In a major step toward strengthening the country's livestock industry, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through its Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), and its attached agencies, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and National Livestock Program (NLP), formally sealed the implementation of the Animal Vaccine Development Program (AVDP) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the unveiling of the project marker.
The milestone event was led by DA Secretary Hon. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., together with DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante J. Palabrica; CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella; BAI Officer-in-Charge Director Dr. Christian P. Daquigan; PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad; NLP Program Director Dr. Claro N. Mingala; and CenTrAD Director Dr. Virginia M. Venturina, on June 15, 2026, at the CenTrAD facility.
In his inspiring message, Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that this partnership demonstrates how meaningful progress is achieved when institutions work together toward a common goal by combining the knowledge, resources, and commitment of each agency to strengthen the livestock industry.
Meanwhile, in her message of commitment, Dr. Venturina, Project Leader of the AVDP, underscored the significance of the program in maximizing the full potential and sustainability of the center, and the establishment of a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) Animal Facility, which is a first in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country. She also conveyed her sincere appreciation to the University and the DA for their steadfast support in bringing the program to fruition following its launch last year.
The AVDP, a three-year project funded by the DA-BAI, aimed to develop a vaccine prototype for the prevention of transboundary animal diseases. The ultimate goal is to safeguard animal health, food security, and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
Also present during the event were Dr. Eduardo Lapuz Jr., DA Region III Director; Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, CLSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Edwin Atabay, PCC Deputy Executive Director; Dr. Marvin Villanueva, PCC Scientist; Dr. Nover Lee Calub, NLP Deputy Director; Mr. Diosdado Serviento, Chief Executive Officer of BioStar NutriProducts Inc.; Mr. Raul Divina, City Administrator; and Dr. Elfren F. Celestino, Acting Dean of the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM).
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