CLSU, DA-BAI Strengthen Partnership for Animal Vaccine Development Program
Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), officially launched the Animal Vaccine Development Program through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and unveiling of a marker on June 15, 2026, at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) in CLSU. As the lead proponent of the initiative, CLSU, through CenTrAD, will spearhead R&D efforts to produce safe, effective, and locally responsive vaccines against animal diseases that threaten livestock health and agricultural productivity in the country. The program forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen animal health systems and enhance the competitiveness of the livestock sector by developing vaccines tailored to local disease strains. Present during the MOA signing were DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.; DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante Palabrica; Dr. Christian Daguitan, Officer-in-Charge Director of DA-BAI; Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, CLSU President; Dr. Virginia Venturina, Director of CenTrAD; Dr. Claro Mingala, National Livestock Program Director; and Dr. Liza G. Battad, Executive Director of DA-PCC. In his inspiring message, DA Secretary Laurel said that, after a year since its launching, the program has finally come to fruition. Through this initiative, he expressed hope that disease prevention strategies would be strengthened and that sustainable livestock production would be promoted through research and development. The program underscores CLSU’s continuing role as a leading institution in veterinary research and innovation, advancing science-based solutions that contribute to animal health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines. #SievingForExcellence
