By Kimberly S. Miguel, StratCom Correspondent

Showcasing a breakthrough in livestock development, the Bolinao Native Chicken project in Region I led by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has bagged the second best Research Paper award in this year’s National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. 

The research paper was recognized for its significant contribution to the improvement of the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector.

Dr. Marilou Lucas, program leader and director of MMSU Extension Directorate, received the research award conferred by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium today, November 10, at the Elvira O. Tan Hall of PCAARRD Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. She received a plaque of recognition and cash prize of Php 155,000. Of the amount, Php 125,000 is given to the author, Php 20,000 for the consortia, and Php 10,000 for the implementing agency. 

The awarding ceremony is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of PCAARRD, one of the sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology.

The Region I-based project titled “Sustainable Production, Marketing and Utilization of True-to-Type Bolinao Chicken in Ilocos Region” sought to establish a stable supply of native chickens in the Ilocos region. Started in 2018, the three-year research explored the potentials of the livestock in addressing its high demand against its relatively low supply, fragmented marketing, and lack of quality breeders. 

The project was collaboratively implemented by MMSU, the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union, Pangasinan State University in Pangasinan, and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College in Ilocos Sur. Forty researchers worked on the project, 23 of which come from MMSU, six from DMMMSU, eight from PSU, and three from ISPSC. The project was funded by PCAARRD through the coordination of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium. 

Dr. Lucas presented their entry during the national symposium held on October 19. She was joined by Bolinao chicken project leaders Mr. Jeremy Christian Santiago, Ms. Bella Gervacio, and Ms. Corazon Diana Pastor (representing Dr. Cynthia Rodriguez who has already retired).

NSAARRD annually showcases the breakthroughs of individuals and institutions in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector through research and development. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)