The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the two (2) newly approved Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for Research and Development (ACEF R4D) projects of the University titled, Upgrading of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Testing Center (AFMTC) at USeP Tagum Unit, Tagum-Mabini Campus; and Upgrading of Feed Mill and Animal Nutrition Laboratory.
The ceremonial signing was held on November 14, 2023, at the Department of Agriculture, Diliman, Quezon City. The University was represented by Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, USeP Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE); Dr. Roger C. Montepio and Mr. Ritsmond Zemry P. Ubod, Project Leaders. Meanwhile, representing the DA were Mr. Junel B. Soriano, Director of DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR); Mr. Domingo F. Panganiban, Senior Undersecretary of DA; and Atty. Jane C. Bacayo, Vice Chair of ACEF Program Management Committee and DA Undersecretary for Administration.
With the said MoA, DA/ ACEF EXECOM will provide financial support to the research and development proposals of USeP as contained in the detailed project proposals.
The Feed Mill and Animal Nutrition Laboratory supports the regional R4D priority areas in developing and formulating new and quality feed sources for commercialization to help the industry with organic feed ration for swine and poultry using local feedstuffs. With this facility enhanced/renovated, it is hoped to have a vibrant feed industry within Davao De Oro and other adjacent areas in the region.
Likewise, the successful implementation of the project, including the refurbishment of the AFMTC building, expansion of the test working area, procurement of additional test instruments and equipment, and training of additional faculty test engineers, would yield numerous benefits for the AFMTC, the University, and the farmers/agricultural community.
Both parties look forward to the successful implementation of the said projects.
