CLSU Hosts 31st Anniversary of PCC Luzon Cluster; VP Orden Delivers Keynote Address

The Philippine Carabao Center at CLSU (PCC at CLSU) hosted the 31st Anniversary of the PCC Luzon Island Cluster with the theme ?Excellence in Unity? at the Multi-purpose Gymnatorium today, March 8. Dr. Liza G. Battad, Executive Director of PCC, and Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Director of PCC at CLSU, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the product exhibit where various products using carabao?s milk were displayed including the Daerrys Tilapia Ice Cream, PCC Milk Products, Carabao Beef, and Cara Cuero items like bags, shoes, and wallets. Meanwhile, Dr. Edgar A. Orden, Vice President for Research and Extension and concurrent Director of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) served as the keynote speaker of the event. Dr. Orden recognized the achievements of PCC as an organization which changed the industry through the concerted efforts of its dedicated leaders and staff to achieve greater heights, and enhance the lives of the people and communities it serves. "With the current leadership, personnel, facilities, and partners, there is no doubt that PCC will continue to be a front runner in developing further the carabao industry of the country. Moreso, we look forward to the next years for PCC to be known worldwide as a supplier of genetically improved breeders, highly productive animals, the finest carabao milk and milk products, and highly competent human resources. Hence, these could add more significant chapters to your colorful story - the story of the carabao for the people,? said Dr. Orden. Furthermore, Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, CLSU President also graced the event as recipient of the plaque of appreciation for the continuous support of the university in the research and extension endeavor of PCC along with other partner institutions present at the event. The celebration was attended by 253 participants from PCC national headquarters, farmer partners, and regional networks from various academic institutions such as the University of the Philippines Los Ba?os (UPLB), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (MMMSU), Cagayan State University (CSU), and faculty and staff from CLSU. The Philippine Carabao Center under the Department of Agriculture has been instrumental in promoting socio-economic empowerment and sustainable development for the past 31 years and is known for its mandate in protecting, breeding, and promoting carabao as a milk, meat, draft power, and hide source for rural farmers.