The Native Pig Research and Development(R & D) Program, a flagship initiative of Department of Science and Technology, Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST – PCAARRD) based in MArinduque State College (MSC) Torrijos Campus, is now ringing reputation in livestock raising and production in the country not just in the State, Universities and Colleges(SUC’s) but as well as in its industry.

Dr. Arnolfo Monleon, Director of MSC Torrijos Campus, on the other hand, thanked Gov. Velasco for gracing the forum    and pledging his support to the program. To further engage the audience in the discussion, he added that the    Markaduke will engage the support industry like the Philippine Coconut Authority to establish a 20-hectare coconut    demo farm within the campus. He also emphasized the material transfer agreement that will boost and establish the    standard buying scheme.

Aside from this, the R&D program has now its Native Pig Information System headed by Dr. Randell Reginio that    could help in the data management which is ready for implementation. The system will largely have in keeping data    about the economically important traits of Markaduke, generating multiple ranges of reports and eventually be an    edge in terms of initiating centralized monitoring. Although there are lots of plans and targets to be achieved but    it will be too soon, he hopes that this centralized monitoring will reach the communities in the years to come as he    is sincere in promoting the native pig farming.

About the Author:

Desiree Anne Sto. Domingo is currently working as Education Research Assistant at the Office of the Vice President    for Research, Development, Extension and Training in Marinduque State College.