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Protein Enriched Copra Meal promises healthier aquaculture with lower feed inputs and production costs
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Protein Enriched Copra Meal promises healthier aquaculture with lower feed inputs and production costs

A locally developed feed ingredient, Protein Enriched Copra Meal (PECM®), is creating a sustainable and affordable aquaculture production in the Philippines. Designed as an alternative to costly imported soybean meal, PECM® uses copra meal, a by-product in coconut oil production.

With the country’s abundant coconut supply, this technology can significantly lower production costs and reduce reliance on foreign feed inputs.

In the aquaculture industry, where feeds can account for up to 70% of total production expenses, finding efficient and affordable protein sources is crucial. Soybean meals, currently the dominant plant-based protein in fish diets, are mostly imported, making feed prices vulnerable to global market shifts.

UPLB Project team conducting metagenome analysis of gut microbiota to determine the association with dietary intake of PECM in tilapia and bangus. (Image credit: UPLB project team)

PECM addresses this challenge by providing a protein-rich, locally sourced alternative that has shown to reduce feed intake while maintaining healthy fish growth.

This is being explored through the two-year project, “PECM® in Aquaculture Diets for Gut Health Modulation,” funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is implementing the project. 

Researchers discovered that this feed also supports gut health in farmed fish by positively influencing their gut microbiota, the community of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to better digestion, disease resistance, and overall immune strength in aquatic animals.

Evaluation of growth performance of PECM in juvenile tilapia. (Image credit: UPLB project team)

To explore these effects in greater depth, scientists use advanced tools like metagenomics and metabolomics. Metagenomics is the analysis of the genetic material of the entire microbial communities, while metabolomics studies the  small molecules or metabolites, found within cells, biofluids, tissues, or organisms. These two “omics” technologies have recently become important in fish research, helping scientists understand how environmental factors, such as diet, affect fish health, nutrition, and welfare.

These tools provide a deeper and more precise understanding of how feeds like PECM® influence fish health at the molecular level, which then offer insights that traditional measurements like growth rate and feed efficiency might miss. By identifying how nutrients and bioactive compounds in the feed interact with fish metabolism and gut bacteria, researchers can optimize diets to support long-term fish health and performance.

With these advancements, PECM® is seen to improve local aquaculture productivity, ensure a more stable supply of animal feed proteins, and help bring down the cost of fish products for Filipino consumers. 

Bangus feed formulation containing PECM. (Image credit: UPLB project team)

By turning coconut by-products into a valuable feed, PECM® represents another strategic solution that can potentially increase farmers’ income while promoting more resilient and self-reliant food systems.

Project SARAi set to benefit farmers nationwide; i-POND to aid shrimp farms in Luzon
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Project SARAi set to benefit farmers nationwide; i-POND to aid shrimp farms in Luzon

Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (Project SARAi) and i-POND: A Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN)-based Pond Water Quality Control and Monitoring System for Shrimp Farms are poised to benefit more farmers following updates shared during the breakout session at a recently held activity, the International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) 2025.

Dr. Decibel Eslava introduces Project SARAi to iSCENE participants during the Smart Agriculture Speakers' Session. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

SARAi CENTRO to capacitate farmers nationwide

In its initial phases under the funding of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), Project SARAi provided decision-making tools for farmers through crop forecasts and site-specific crop advisories. The project involved nine crops for various stakeholders through a collaborative effort -with 11 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), six National Government Agencies (NGAs), and 167 researchers across the country. 

Following the project’s successful completion, the DOST allocated funding for its wider roll-out through the Grants-in-Aid program. The SARAi Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAi CENTRO) will implement SARAi throughout the Philippines by creating a central hub in UPLB that is networked and mirrored across all DOST Regional Offices.

Furthermore, the directive from the Office of the President aims to institutionalize Project SARAi. “Our team is working on Crop Characterization, Integrated Crop Management and Model Development, Crop-Environment Monitoring and Forecasting, and Knowledge Management and Mainstreaming to provide agricultural stakeholders with site-specific crop advisories nationwide,” stated Dr. Decibel Eslava of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

By establishing a unified, near real-time agri-information system, SARAi CENTRO is set to empower producers, monitors, implementers, and decision-makers with the data they need to make swift, science-backed decisions, ultimately strengthening the food security of the Philippines.

i-POND set to benefit shrimp farms in Luzon

Engr. Glen D. Espena from Metals Industry Research and Development Center of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-MIRDC) presented updates on i-POND: A LoRaWAN-based Pond Water Quality Control and Monitoring System for Shrimp Farms.

In partnership with the Aqua Tierra Agri-Industrial Farms, Inc., Mindoro State University, and DOST-MIMAROPA, the DOST-Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) project led by MIRDC addresses the challenge of improving resource management in intensive shrimp farms which requires controlled water quality and heavy aeration.

Engr. Glen D. Espeña kicks off the Resilient and Sustainable Communities Speakers Session with the introduction of the iPOND technology for aquaculture. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Aqua Tierra farm operators said that the i-POND technology is “convenient, accurate, and time-saving.” To illustrate, Engr. Espeña shared that initial tests with the farm operators reported to demonstrate an increased survival rate of 17.5%, reduction of feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 10%, and decreased energy consumption.

With its capacity to provide real-time monitoring and remote access to farm operators, i-POND allows farm operators to continuously track water quality parameters, receive instant alerts and notifications to changes that occur in their ponds, and execute corrective actions to adjust water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen.

DOST-MIRDC offers their technology to businesses through two subscription tiers: (1) The basic subscription, which can be bought through a one-time fee of P200,000 per pond, includes a real-time monitoring of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and salinity, as well as a local data storage and a one month free trial of advanced features of i-POND; and (2) The Advanced Subscription fee of P200,000 per pond and an additional P2,000 monthly subscription per pond includes Temp, DO, pH, salinity real-time monitoring, local and remote data storage, remote access, historical data analysis, and alerts and notifications for farm operators. 

The breakout sessions aimed to introduce smart R&D technologies that resulted from R&D initiatives of both the public and private sectors to key decision makers, participants, and the general public. iSCENE 2025 was held from May 22 to 24, 2025 at the ICON Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan City, Isabela. This activity brought together representatives from the  government, academe, industry, and international partners.

Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies engages with DOST-PCAARRD on S&T Initiatives on Blue Economy
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Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies engages with DOST-PCAARRD on S&T Initiatives on Blue Economy

The Delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) during NIPSS’ International Study Tour on Blue Economy. (Image credit: PCMD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently discussed science-based and innovative approaches in marine resources management and sustainable aquaculture to foster knowledge exchange that could support blue economy development strategies in Nigeria. 

The meeting was made possible through Nigeria NIPSS’s international study tour themed, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.” Held on May 30, 2025, the discussion served as a platform for mutual learning and exploration of potential collaboration to strengthen partnerships between the Philippines and Nigeria. 

Deputy Inspector-General Adeleye Olusola Oyebade said that NIPSS is Nigeria’s premier think tank on policy and development that helps bring together exceptional leaders from both public and private sectors. Moreover, he said that the study tour was relevant in exploring the blue economy in support of national priorities on economic diversification and sustainable marine resource management.

Starting the knowledge sharing between the two institutions was DOST-PCAARRD’s Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) Director Mari-Ann M. Acedera, who presented DOST-PCAARRD’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives in the marine sector. She emphasized that the blue economy is a strategic pillar of the Pagtanaw 2050: Philippine Science, Technology, and Innovation Foresight, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Dr. Acedera further discussed the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda for the Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources sector (HNRDA-AANR), which was introduced as a guide for prioritizing science-based programs, grounded in broad stakeholder consultations. In line with this, she presented the Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs (ISPs) on key marine resources such as tuna, sardines, sea cucumber, seaweeds, and coral reefs.

From left to right: Ms. Chinwe Chinenye Ndubeze, Commandant of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Mr. Otakwu Adams, Chairperson of the Conference of Civil Societies; DIG Leye Oyebade, Directing Staff of NIPSS; Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD; Prof. Binta Tijani Jibril, Directing Staff of NIPSS; and Abdullahi Saidu Daya, First Secretary of the Nigeria Embassy Manila. (Image credit: PCMD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Other initiatives presented were the Resource Inventory, Valuation, and Policy in Ecosystem Services under Threat (RE-INVEST): The Case of the West Philippine Sea and the Supporting Seas through Automated and Integrated Networks (SUSTAIN). These initiatives underscored evidence-based policy research, capacity building, and co-designed innovation as essential elements in directing R&D results utilization toward maximum economic and social benefits. 

“You cannot promote the blue economy if you do not have a very strong R&D institution like PCAARRD,” said Prof. Binta Tijani Jibril who is also a Professor of Economics at the Bayero University Kano. 

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continuing the discussion and exploration of potential areas of collaboration in shaping resilient, inclusive, and science-based approaches to marine sustainability.

Leading the DOST-PCAARRD delegation was Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, joined by Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD) Director Lilian G. Bondoc and Dr. Acedara along with other representatives from MRRD and Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD).

DOST-PCAARRD empowers Lucban farmers for market expansion with crop production training
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DOST-PCAARRD empowers Lucban farmers for market expansion with crop production training

Attendees of the training, including the Members of the LFAC, AABH Team, Asst. Prof. Lance Irvin Elleva (5th from the left, seated), Ms. Sonia Catchuela, Municipal Agriculturist (4th from the left, seated), and other representatives from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist. (Image credit: Tessa Lyrene DC. Lantican)

Institutional buyers, such as food service companies and large retailers, require a consistent supply of high-quality products that meet safety and handling standards. To help smallholder farmers access these high-value markets, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is providing technical support and capacity building through its Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH). 

Recently, AABH helped smallholder farmers of the Lucban Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (LFAC), through the training, “Recommended Production and Management Practices of Selected Herbs and Vegetable Crops.” LFAC is a newly registered cooperative and one of the AABH’s assisted enterprises. Held at the Sangguniang Bayan Conference Room of the Lucban Municipal Hall, the training is part of AABH’s ongoing support to the cooperative. 

Ms. Normita Ramos, Secretary of LFAC, sharing her insights from the training. (Image credit: Tessa Lyrene DC. Lantican)

LFAC was formed to consolidate local vegetable farmers in Lucban and is currently being developed into a steady supplier for institutional buyers. Through the AABH’s market linkaging efforts, the cooperative was connected with the Farmville Agricultural Source Team (FAST), a food service company that supplies commissaries, restaurants, and related clients. The market matching process involved an initial phone call, followed by an online meeting to further discuss the linkage and explore a potential supply arrangement.

Despite initial setbacks, such as failure of trial plantings due to heavy rains, LFAC has remained committed to meeting the volume and quality standards required by FAST. To address identified gaps in the production and technical knowledge, the AABH organized this capacity-building activity with Asst. Prof. Lance Irvin Elleva from the Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-CAFS).

Fifteen LFAC members were trained on topics such as: climate suitability, nursery preparation, transplanting, fertilizer management, integrated pest management, and postharvest handling. The training emphasized science-based methods, such as use of raised beds, organic inputs, and hot pepper-based pest deterrents.

LFAC members analyze soil nutrients using UPLB’s soil test kit—an essential step toward better soil nutrient management. (Image credit: Tessa Lyrene DC. Lantican)

A major highlight of the training was the hands-on use of UPLB’s soil test kit (STK), which equipped the farmers with practical skills in assessing soil nutrient levels and pH to guide appropriate fertilization strategies. While some participants initially experienced difficulties using the kit, they valued the opportunity to enhance their technical capacity and deepen their understanding of science-based soil management. The interactive session helped them gain confidence in interpreting test results and applying the findings to boost crop productivity. To support ongoing soil management activities, a test kit was officially turned over to LFAC for continued cooperative use.

Through sustained mentorship and strengthened market linkages, DOST-PCAARRD’s AABH aims to transform LFAC into a reliable and resilient agri-enterprise. This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated approaches that combine technical training, market linkaging, and institutional support in developing sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the DOST-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Business Hub by the Lucban Farmers Agriculture Cooperative. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Cavite State University highlights successful livestock R&D projects
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Cavite State University highlights successful livestock R&D projects

Two of the key Livestock R&D projects of the Cavite State University (CvSU) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) are moving forward to the final stages following their pre-terminal review.

On June 10, 2025, DOST-PCAARRD and CvSU reviewed and assessed the progress, accomplishments, and challenges of the projects through the projects’ technical and financial matters and identified potential areas for improvement. The activity highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing livestock production, improving institutional capabilities, and ensuring that research initiatives contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and community development.

CvSU Project staff, Ms. Cecille B. Anuada, presented key results of the project on "Assessment of the Production Performance and Profitability of Raising (IP Kayumanggi) at Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Muntinlupa,”(image credit: LRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

One of the two projects assessed was the"Assessment of the Production Performance and Profitability of Raising (IP Kayumanggi) at Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Muntinlupa,” led by Dr. Gary A. Pareja, which evaluated the performance and economic viability of IP Kayumanggi. 

CvSU Project staff, Ms. Cecille B. Anuada, proudly presented key results of the project that went beyond production performance, but also provided skills and a meaningful livelihood for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The project produced over 100,000 eggs, which were processed into ‘balut,’ ‘penoy,’ and salted egg by the PDLs in Muntinlupa City Jail.  According to Ms. Anuada, the team remained committed and continuously worked toward achieving its goals regardless of the challenges faced by the project.

The second project was the “Production Performance and Profitability Testing of Purified Native Pig Breeds,” led by Project Leader Mariedel L. Autriz, PhD. The project evaluated the growth, productivity, and market potential of Black native pig breeds. 

Project Leader Mariedel L. Autriz, PhD, presenting the Native Pig Project (image credit: LRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Dr. Autriz reported that the project achieved high parity and conception rate among the native pigs, indicating excellent reproductive performance. As a result of effective management and breeding practices, the project produced more than 71 head of native pigs, which were also sold as lechon, generating significant revenue and demonstrating the project's productivity, sustainability, and strong market potential.

Following these results,  DOST-PCAARRD and CvSU agreed to continue the project for further development.

Dr. Synan S. Baguio, Director of the Livestock Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD, expressed his insights on the near conclusion of the projects. He congratulated CvSU and its dedicated staff for their successful implementation of the projects and for strong, meaningful collaboration among partner institutions. He also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and innovation in driving impactful research and development initiatives.