SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — Government efforts to improve animal health and support the country’s livestock industry were stepped up as Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) initiated a program focused on developing vaccines against animal diseases.
The Animal Vaccine Development Program was formally launched through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the unveiling of a marker at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) of CLSU in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
Under the partnership, CLSU, through CenTrAD, will lead research and development initiatives to produce safe and effective vaccines suited to local animal disease conditions.
The initiative aims to enhance disease prevention among livestock and boost agricultural productivity by developing vaccines based on locally identified disease strains.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program has come to fruition following its formal launch, expressing hope that it would contribute to stronger disease prevention measures and more sustainable livestock production through research and development.
Laurel attended the MOA signing together with other key officials, including DA Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica, DA-BAI Officer-in-Charge Director Christian Daquigan, CLSU President Evaristo Abella, CenTrAD Director Virginia Venturina, National Livestock Program Director Claro Mingala, and DA-Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director Liza Battad.
Through the program, CLSU continues to advance its role in veterinary research and innovation by developing science-based solutions that promote animal health and benefit the livestock sector nationwide.
It also aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening the agriculture sector through innovation and improved productivity across the country, contributing to national food security. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
