BAGUIO CITY – To better appreciate the services and products produced in the center, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera’s (DA-CAR) Baguio Animal Breeding Research Center (BABRC) conducted an open house dubbed as ‘BABRC Day’ on March 13, in Dontogan, Baguio City.
In this event, various booths were installed showcasing BABRC’s different production services which are focused on animals and crops namely beekeeping, native pig, poultry, rabbit, sheep, dairy, citrus, coffee, and mushroom including organic agriculture. Derived agricultural produce were also displayed such as the coffee in drip bags, honey, smoked pork (etag), free range eggs, pasteurized dairy milk, compost, and fermented liquid fertilizers. Also with booths are the Research Division for their rice and corn-related researches, the Integrated Laboratories Division highlighting biocontrol agents and anti-rabies vaccination services, and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) featuring their silk and fiber products.
BABRC Officer-in-Charge Dr. Ofelia Ducayag expressed her joy as the staging of the first BABRC Day came to light.
“We wanted you to feel welcome here and to gather more appreciation on our different services to protect and preserve our government property,” she underscored.
The Center is one of the three research stations of the DA-CAR that serves as an integrated research, training and technology demonstration center, laboratory, agri-tourism center, dairy center and animal breeding center. It spreads at 94 hectares in total and is covered by Presidential Proclamation No. 603 issued by then Pres. Manuel L. Quezon in 1940, reserving BABRC as an animal breeding center. Moreover, the BABRC hosts different offices of the DA-CAR including its attached agencies.
True to its commitment, the Center continues to evolve and improve on its agri-production services earning various accreditations certifying its compliance to standard operations. Specifically, BABRC is accredited as Plant Nursery Operator for coffee, mandarin, and navel orange. It also has Good Agricultural Practices or GAP Certification for crops (coffee and citrus) and is currently working on its re-accreditation as a farm tourism site.
Intensifying the information drive on BABRC’s significant contribution towards regional agricultural development is accordingly, a crucial step to reinforce the government’s hold on the Center which is faced with encroachments and land claims over the years.
Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo expressed her appreciation to the BABRC Team and other participating agencies like PhilFIDA for pushing through with the first-of-its-kind BABRC Open House. She hopes that the activity will be regularized to further strengthen the ‘sense of ownership’ among the employees. “We are stewards of BABRC, let us continue to take care and protect it”.
The event brought together agriculture employees and enthusiasts, students, and some stakeholders who had the chance to engage with experts and learn about the center’s programs.
Local games were also enjoyed by the participants particularly the ‘palsi-it’ (sling) tournament and breaking the pot. Norma Lacsigan and Angelica Jose won first and second places, respectively, for the ‘palsi-it’ women category while Nover Alsaen and Jhonel Esposo hit first and second places, respectively, for the men category. Moreover, Almera Sugot, Jeferson Aludos, and Gerby Tindaan successfully broke the pots for a win. Domingo Ognasi of BABRC also took the center stage for the Best in Attire (Cowboy) Award.
Sensory evaluation for three irrigated lowland inbred rice varieties and market survey for vacuum-sealed chopsuey were also conducted during the activity. To wrap it all, the production booths were adjudged for the selection of Top 3 Best Booths Awardees.
The BABRC’s Open House was not just a celebration of achievements but a declaration of its continuing dedication to advancing agricultural production services. As it moves forward, the Center remains committed to protecting the environment, improving the livelihoods of local farmers, and ensuring that it continues to serve as a valuable resource for generations to come. By JBAgrifino
