The PCAARRD Governing Council and DOST Executive Committee approved the implementation of a R&D program titled, “Program on Establishment of Philippine Native Pig Research, Development and Extension Center.” This program is an offshoot of the ongoing R&D program aimed towards improving the Markaduke native pig’s reproductive and production capabilities. Furthermore, this initiative is one of the R&D priorities for expanding the advantages acquired from earlier native pig R&D activities in remote farming areas to further strengthen the livelihood of native pig farmers. Also, part of the program is the establishment of the Philippine Native Pig Research and Development Center.
DOST will fund the center’s establishment through NICER for R&D. It’s part of the DOST’s Accelerated Research and Development initiative under the Science for Change (S4C) Program.
The proposed center will direct R&D activities for the development, promotion, and utilization of native pigs in the country. The project will be part of the approved native pig center and will focus on native pig production upscaling in Marinduque. The program intended to boost native pig farming productivity and profitability. This NICER program will be headed by Dr. Arnulfo Monleon of Marinduque State College.