Agriculture Secretary Leads Launch of Animal Vaccine Dev’t Program at CenTrAD

Department of Agriculture - Philippines (DA) Secretary Hon. Francisco Tiu Laurel led the inauguration of the Animal Vaccine Development Program on April 8, 2025, at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) located at Central Luzon State University (CLSU). The inauguration formed part of the University’s 118th Founding Anniversary celebration, which commenced with a ribbon cutting and was followed by a facility tour led by CenTrAD Director Dr. Virginia M. Venturina to showcase the facility and the laboratories dedicated to vaccine development. During the program proper, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed CLSU’s strong commitment to advancing agriculture and animal health, emphasizing its unwavering support and shared dedication to serving its stakeholders. “In response to these pressing needs, we at CLSU, in partnership with our key stakeholders, affirm our commitment to advancing research and innovation in Veterinary Science through the establishment of a Vaccine Development Facility,” President Abella expressed. Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of the National Animal Vaccination Program and its unwavering commitment to progress, resilience, and hope that protect the livestock and poultry, especially the people. He further advocated for honoring the strength of farmers by providing them with protection against economic challenges and disease outbreaks. Dr. Constante J. Palabrica, Undersecretary of DA Livestock, on the other hand, shared how he came to the idea of putting up an Animal Vaccine Development Program as it sparked when he first came to CenTrAD. His observations of vaccine production in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand fueled his belief in the capability of Filipino Scientists to produce vaccines, reducing reliance on imports. As such, the said program intends to enhance disease prevention strategies and promote sustainable livestock production through innovative research and development. CLSU, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies, particularly the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), DA-Livestock Biotechnology Center, and DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), played a key role in bringing the program to fruition. Other key people who graced the event were Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Director of DA National Livestock Program, Dr. Liza G. Battad, DA-PCC Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Rudolph Lo, President of Food Terminal Inc., Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., DA Region III Director and faculty and staff from the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine.