Participants of the third training-workshop on biodiversity resource assessment and monitoring methods with staff from the Forestry and Environment Research Division. (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD) and Institution Development Division (IDD), held the third installment of the training-workshop, “Biodiversity Resource Assessment and Monitoring Methods” on August 5–9, 2024 at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Conference Center in Tagaytay City.
Hand-in-hand with the Institute of Biological Sciences of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (IBS-UPLB), the activities included lectures from prominent researchers and experts in the field, a proposal packaging workshop, and a field trip to the Cavite State University (CvSU).
FERD Director Nimfa K. Torreta welcomed the participants and spoke about the expected training outcomes. “Through this training, the crucial significance of conserving our natural resources and biodiversity will hopefully be reaffirmed,” she added.
Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr. shared his expertise on survey methods for grassland and forest ecosystems and spearheaded the workshop and consultation on proposal packaging. Dr. Buot was joined by his colleagues from IBS—Dr. Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez discussed the assessment and monitoring methods for birds; Dr. Anna Pauline de Guia talked about survey methods for mammals; Prof. Nikki Dyanne Realubit discussed and demonstrated survey methods for reptiles and amphibians.
From left to right, top to bottom: Resource persons from UPLB shared their expertise on assessment and monitoring methods on Days 1 and 2—Dr. Inocencio Buot, Jr., Dr. Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez. Dr. Anna Pauline de Guia, Prof. Nikki Dyanne Realubit, Dr. Jessamyn Adorada, and Dr. Loucel Cui. (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Jessamyn R. Adorada shared her expertise on survey methods for insects; while Dr. Noel G. Sabino lectured on microbes assessment methods. For the floral species, Dr. Maria Celeste B. Hilario covered strategies for assessing ferns, while Prof. Eugene Lorence R. Logatoc discussed the monitoring of bryophytes.
Dr. Loucel E. Cui of UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) imparted her experiences on survey methods for aquatic ecosystems.
From left to right: Resource persons from UPLB-IBS for Day 3—Dr. Maria Celeste Hilario, Dr. Noel Sabino, and Prof. Eugene Lorence Logatoc. (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
As part of the training objectives, participants were tasked to individually draft a concept proposal based on their expertise and field to be pursued. The resource persons and FERD technical staff reviewed and recommended ways to improve the proposals, particularly their scientific soundness to align with DOST-PCAARRD’s priority programs.
On the fourth day of the training, the group visited the CvSU-Indang Campus, which also served as a benchmarking activity for some of their flagship facilities and units. CvSU President Hernando D. Robles welcomed the participants and gave a background on the university’s efforts to advance their research and extension services in agriculture and other areas.
The field trip to CvSU consisted of a welcoming program with University President Hernando Robles, a tour of the agri-eco park, and other extension centers housed on campus grounds. (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Participants toured the Agri-Eco Park showcasing technologies, extension work, and business activities that include the Bee Research, Innovation, Trade, and Extension (BRITE) Center. Other facilities visited were the National Coffee Research, Development and Extension Center (NCRDEC), Sugar Palm Research, Information and Trade (SPRINT) Center, and the University Museum.
During the closing program, IDD Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena commended the efforts of the 21 participants from all over the country.
“Your proactive participation in this training-workshops remains essential in capacitating and empowering researchers and individuals who are actively involved in biodiversity conservation and the work it is strengthened with," Dr. Decena stated.
The 21 participants were researchers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) and from the 13 state universities and colleges (SUCs): Mariano Marcos State University, Benguet State University, UPLB, Bicol University, Eastern Samar State University, Samar State University, Southern Leyte State University-Hinunangan Campus, Palawan State University, Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus, Cebu Normal University, UP Tacloban, UP Mindanao, and Bukidnon State University.
Fish survey (left) and coral survey (right) conducted as part of the REINVEST project. (Image credit: RE-INVEST Project Team)
Recognizing the importance of ecosystems and ecosystem services valuation, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has long integrated resource and ecosystem assessment, monitoring, and valuation into its Natural Resources and Environment Research and Development (R&D) Agenda and Socio-Economics R&D Agenda.
Since 2017, the Council has funded programs and projects focused on the economic valuation of ecosystem services, developing policy options for access and benefit sharing (ABS), and sustainable financing mechanisms like payment for ecosystem services.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the Republic Act (RA) No. 11995 or the “Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS)” Act, on May 22, 2024. This legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing various ecosystems and their services, marking a significant step in integrating environmental considerations into national policy frameworks.
This supports DOST-PCAARRD's ongoing initiatives and fortifies the integration of ecosystem valuation into broader policy and decision-making processes. The PENCAS Act promotes sustainable environmental practices and informed policymaking, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The PENCAS Act mandates the inclusion of the country’s natural resources as a vital component of the national economy, supplementing traditional metrics such as gross domestic product (GDP) and human capital. This approach will ensure that natural resources are managed and protected based on accurate data regarding their true contribution to the economy, paving the way for sustainable development in the Philippines.
With a total of P131.84 million allocated to eight environment-related projects, the Council is dedicated to contributing to the establishment of ecosystem accounts. These efforts aim to support sustainable management and development plans for crucial areas such as Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve, and other critical ecosystems of the country.
Field activities at the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve (left) and RE-INVEST Project 2 (right). (Image credit: UPLB Project Team)
DOST-PCAARRD is currently supporting a two-year project (2023–2025), led by Dr. Agustin L. Arcenas of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, which aims to develop a downscaled Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) framework based on the United Nations Framework. This framework can be used by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for their National NCA Roadmap. Having a localized database for site-specific application of the NCA is in line with the Executive Order No. 138 s. 2021, or the Mandanas Ruling, aimed at developing capabilities of LGUs in increasing productivity and employment, promoting local economic growth, and managing public resources.
The Council also funded the establishment of the Valuation and Accounting of Ecosystem Services (VALUES) Lab: Building Capacity for Sustainable Forest and Natural Resources Management. Established by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), this laboratory aims to enhance the capacity of researchers and local planners in natural capital and ecosystem services valuation. It will also serve as a repository of data and information from valuation studies and develop localized guidelines based on internationally accepted frameworks, such as the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (UN-SEEA) Central Framework and the UN-SEEA Ecosystems Accounting Framework.
DOST-PCAARRD spearheaded the Ecosystem Accounting Training last year to enhance the capabilities of researchers and stakeholders. This training was participated in by government agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) representatives. Resource persons during the training were policy champions in ecosystem accounting from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); the Economy and Environment Group (EEG); and the Resource, Environment and Economics Center for Studies (REECS).
The data collected through DOST-PCAARRD’s R&D projects will play a critical role in fulfilling the agency’s mandate to contribute to the collection, generation, analysis, and presentation of statistics and data requirements for PENCAS.
DOST-PCAARRD is committed to advancing its efforts by supporting additional projects and programs to establish comprehensive natural capital accounts, which will be crucial in formulating science-informed policies and programs. This commitment will enhance DOST-PCAARRD’s ability to provide evidence-based recommendations, guide effective policy decisions, and ensure that environmental and ecosystem considerations are at the forefront of national development strategies.
UPV NEED Project II Team at the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture. (Image credit: Cedric Jay A. Nantong, UPV NEED)
Three studies on the nursery culture of anguillid eel larvae were presented at the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2024 organized by the World Aquaculture Society and held in Surabaya, Indonesia on July 2-5, 2024.
Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the project, “Development of Brackishwater Culture Systems for Tropical Anguillid Eel, Anguilla marmorata, in the Philippines,” is conducted by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) as part of the Nursery of Eel Enhancement and Development (NEED) Program. The project team attended the activity in Indonesia.
Two studies under the project were presented by its two research assistants, Ms. Kelee Ira B. Nodque and Mr. Cedric Jay A. Nantong. Their studies focused on the successful weaning of A. marmorata larvae to artificial feeds.
Ms. Nodque presented the preliminary results of dietary transition of tropical anguillid eel larvae from fish meat to fish meal based formulated feed. She discussed the weaning of glass eels onto a moist artificial diet. On the other hand, Mr. Nantong presented the results of evaluating dietary transition of tropical anguillid eel elver from dough to crumble diets.
Both studies address the issue of feed acceptance during the initial adaptation phase of glass eels, which often leads to lower survival rates. Results from the studies highlighted the importance of weaning glass eels using a suitable diet to improve growth rates and survival during its crucial life stage. Meanwhile, Project Leader Fredson H. Huervana presented their study, “Optimizing Stocking Densities for Nursery Cage Culture of Tropical Anguillid Eel A. marmorata in Philippine Brackishwater ponds.” This study represents one of the initial phases in establishing nursery pond culture for A. marmorata in the Philippines.
Presentation of the developed fisheries products of students from Sidoarjo Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic. (Image credit: Cedric Jay A. Nantong, UPV NEED)
In addition to their participation to the international event, the team also visited the Politeknik Kelautan dan Perikanan Sidoarjo (Sidoarjo Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic [SMFP]), where they also presented their studies and exchanged valuable insights with the esteemed researchers and faculty members of the said institution.
This was followed by a campus tour where the SMFP faculty and students showcased the facilities, technologies, and fisheries products that they have developed. Represented by Mr. Huervana, the visit concluded with fruitful discussions of aiming a future collaboration between the two institutions. This creates possible educational partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia in fisheries education to uplift the fisheries industry in the region.
Aiming to develop a brackishwater-based nursery system for A. marmorata glass eels, the NEED Project II is being implemented by UPV for two years. These international events serve as avenues for the project to conduct knowledge exchange and solicit existing advancements in Indonesia that may be adopted in the country for the benefit of the fisheries sector.
UPV NEED Project II Team with faculty and students from Sidoarjo Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic. (Image credit: Cedric Jay A. Nantong, UPV NEED)
UPV NEED Project II project leader, Mr. Fredson H. Huervana, presents the project’s findings to the faculty and students of Sidoarjo Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic. (Image credit: Cedric Jay A. Nantong, UPV NEED)
The technologies which will be featured during the 2nd Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (Image Credit: PSAU)
The Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) 2024 is being held today, August 16, 2024, at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Hosted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) and the Association of PAQE Professionals (APP), the pitch fest showcases technological advancements and solutions pioneered by innovators in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
In preparation, DOST-PCAARRD has unveiled a lineup of 22 innovative technologies that will be featured in today’s pitch fest. Announced through the official Facebook page of DOST-PCAARRD, these selected technologies will represent the latest advancements in the AANR sector.
The groundbreaking technologies will be featured across four categories: Agri-Aqua Inputs and Products; Food Products; Agricultural/Aquatic Equipment and Machinery; and Other Agri-Aqua Technologies. The technologies are as follows:
Agri-Aqua Inputs and Products
Biopesticide from Boton Barringtonia asiatica (L.) of Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) - Boton seed extract sourced from fish poison tree seeds (Barringtonia asiatica [L.]) is an eco-friendly biopesticide that effectively manages agricultural pests. It supports organic farming practices, is safe for humans, thus, ideal for use in rice paddies and vegetable gardens.
Nightsoil Fertilizer of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) - This soil fertilizer is made from nightsoil, molasses, a microorganism solution, and carbonized rice hulls. The process includes: a) drying pre-treated human waste; b) creating a solution with 5% microorganisms, 5% molasses, and 90% water; c) preparing carbonized rice hulls; d) mixing all ingredients and drying for seven days; and e) grinding the dried mixture into chunks or powder. The result is an effective, low-cost fertilizer for crops.
Halal ‘Hito’ Feeds of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST) - A Halal-compliant feed formulation for African eel or hito (Clarias gariepinus) has been developed to address concerns about non-Halal feed. This feed is made by blending various plant ingredients with fish oil then processing and pelletizing the mixture to create a Halal fish meal suitable for hito fingerlings.
Hi-Pro Chicken Starter from Palm Kernel of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) - This starter feed is formulated with locally sourced ingredients such as palm kernel meal (PKM) to lower costs for poultry farmers. Substituting costly commercial feed ingredients with PKM allows farmers to enhance their profitability while maintaining optimal chicken growth.
Food Products
Smoked Pork Granules of Benguet State University (BSU) - This product features smoked pork granules made from hot-smoked pork. The pork used in its production is sourced from the native pig breed of Cordillera.
Tibig Leaf Extract-based Meat Tenderizer (PSAU) - This technology emphasizes the Tibig tree's potential due to its ficin enzyme, which is renowned for tenderizing meat. The innovative approach addresses the increasing demand for natural food processing while supporting the sustainable use of this endemic tree and revealing its untapped market potential.
Mush Aroy Nutrichips of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) - This is a nutritious snack crafted from locally sourced and underutilized ingredients such as nutrient-rich mushrooms, seaweeds, and malunggay. It is intended to boost the nutritional content of disaster relief packages and feeding programs for at-risk groups, while also addressing the growing demand for healthier snack choices.
PREPI Spice Puree of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) - This is an easy-squeeze spice paste which makes cooking preparation simple. Offered in garlic, onion, and ginger varieties, it provides fresh, flavorful pastes without the need for peeling or chopping. PREPI’s ready-to-use pastes make it easy to enjoy delicious meals effortlessly.
Purple Sweet Potato Flour of Central Mindanao University (CMU) - This introduces a flour made from purple sweet potato root crop, which serves as a substitute for wheat flour in baked goods, noodles, instant porridge for children, nutrition pastes, and as a binder and thickener in various foods.
Agricultural/Aquatic Equipment and Machinery
Hydraulic-Type Charcoal Briquettor of DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) - This hydraulic charcoal briquettor produces high-quality charcoal briquettes by compressing crushed charcoal mixed with a binder. The briquettes from this machine have a much higher density and longer burn time than those made manually. With a daily output of 300-400 kg, it delivers outstanding efficiency and profitability.
Pili Postharvest Machines of Bicol University (BU) - The Pili is considered the flagship commodity of Bicol Region. With that, the Pili Postharvest Machines was put forth to assist to mechanize the operation to increase the capacity and efficiency.
Pineapple Fiber Xmach of Capiz State University (CapSU) - A machine for extracting coarse and fine from pineapple leaves. The fine fibers extracted using the machines were comparable with manual scrapping in terms of fineness and tensile strength.
Self-Navigating Solar-Powered Aerator for Aquaculture of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) -This technology relates to an invention for a solar-powered self-navigating paddle wheel aerator designed to maintain optimal oxygen levels in fish ponds and farms. It harnesses solar energy as its power source and incorporates temperature and oxygen monitoring sensors to ensure comprehensive quality control. The core concept of the invention involves the integration of a microcontroller, which automates real-time monitoring of temperature, salinity level and oxygen levels.
Zappify Insect Trap of University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) - An Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology in agriculture and an insect pests control method that uses IoT, light traps, swatter and solar PV technologies to zap insect pests in the rice fields.
Biogas Digester of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) -This is a customized biogas digester for energy generation and waste treatment with enhanced features addressing problems and other disadvantages of prior art. This would be of great help to the community in protecting the environment from the negative effect of biodegradable waste at the same time provides clean energy and organic fertilizer, and reduces forest denudation.
Multicrop Pulverizer of Isabela State University (ISU) - This food-grade multicrop pulverizer is a machine for grinding/pulverizing dried agricultural commodities into pulverized products. Among the commodities that are processed using the pulverizing machine are malunggay leaves, mung bean, turmeric, glutinous rice, and corn.
Seaweed Harvester (SWABE-001-24) of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) - This seaweed harvester is essential for efficiently gathering seaweed from underwater or intertidal zones, equipped with cutting blades and belts to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. It is vital for commercial harvesting, scientific research, and marine conservation, contributing to economic development and marine ecosystem preservation.
Sago Pith Extracting Device (SPED) of Caraga State University (CarSU) - A village-level (317kg/hr capacity) SPED developed for rasping or grating the pith from the Sago trunk. It rasps the sago pith using a rotating blade rasper without debarking the log to minimize the steps on the extraction process.
Other Agri-Aqua Technologies
Garlic Tech+ App of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) -GarlicTech+ is a knowledge-based decision support system for mitigating garlic insect pets and diseases using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision.
CoPELT Bioleather from Cogon Grass of Bohol Island State University (BISU -CoPELT is a plant-based leather that utilizes cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) fibers. It is an innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable bioleather that employs natural binding agents, reinforcing its environmentally conscious approach. The use of cogon grass, an abundant and invasive plant, contributes to the material’s sustainability by repurposing a resource that can otherwise pose environmental risks.
PureEssence (Eucalyptus extract) of Mindanao State University - Iligan Insitute of Technology (MSU-IIT)) -The team of MSU-IIT’s researchers has developed a novel method to produce eucalyptus deglupta Blume extracts with antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. These natural compositions can be used as herbal remedies to combat oxidative stress, which is linked to over 100 diseases, including stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, oxidative stress plays a significant role in many age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as in the aging process itself.
Nateura: Body Lotion and Facial Cream from Saluyot and Okra Extract of MSU - General Santos City (GSC) - This is a new skincare brand offering Saluyot and Okra Face Cream and Saluyot and Okra Body Lotion. These innovative products are crafted from indigenous plant extracts, developed through the Nutraceutical Laboratory of MSU-GSC. Nateura's products harness the natural therapeutic properties of saluyot and okra, which are rich in nutrients and bioactive components that promote skin health and rejuvenation.
The pitch fest also listed the top 10 technology posters which will be showcased through booth exhibits:
Banana Flour of Quirino State University (QSU)
Buro Booster of Department of Agriculture - Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC)
Tibig Leaf Extract-based Meat Tenderizer of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU)
CoPELT Bioleather from Cogon Grass from Bohol Island State University (BISU)
PREPI Spice Puree of Cebu Institute of Technology - University (CIT-U)
Nightsoil Fertilizer of Western Mindanao State University (Western Mindanao State University (WMSU))
Purple Sweet Potato Flour of Central Mindanao University (CMU)
Halal Hito Feeds of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST)
Nateura: Body Lotion and Facial Cream from Saluyot and Okra Extract of Mindanao State University - General Santos City (MSU-GSC)
Danggit Dried Fish Ice Cream of North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)
The event also features regional technology displays as well as technologies of selected DOST-PCAARRD Startup Grantees.
As of August 13, more than 460 individuals signed up as onsite attendees of the event while more than 300 individuals are expected to watch via Facebook Live.
Investors and other stakeholders are invited to join the celebration at the said venue or via Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/PCAARRD). For inquiries and concerns, please contact the AIPF team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In the midst of Martial Law, a group of Filipino scientists and researchers were tasked to look for knowledge, ideas, and expertise outside the country to enhance the Philippine livestock industry. While travelling the farmlands of Tokyo, Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, saw the Hinai-dori; Japan’s native chicken. It was at that moment that the young researcher from Panay found an inspiration that would revolutionize the industry.
Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, the pioneer of Darag native chicken research and development.
The Hinai-dori, a Japanese native chicken endemic to the Akita Prefecture, is renowned for its taste and quality meat. However, during the Meiji Era (1868–1913), the Hinai-dori breed came to a point where it was at risk of being extinct due to the introduction of exotic and foreign chicken breeds.
Guided by a strong cultural pride, the Japanese made an effort to conserve and protect the Hinai-dori and preserve its cultural and economic value. The Japanese implemented policies and provided institutional support to the industry. In fact, by 1942, the Hinai-dori was prescribed as a national treasure of Japan, making it a highly protected commodity.
To date, the Hinai-dori is a highly sought-after delicacy bringing much contribution to the Japanese economy.
In the 1970’s, the same conflict became evident for the local native chicken industry in the Philippines. Economic-wise, the industry has failed to penetrate a more significant market outside the realm of backyard farming. As the nation intensely focused on industrialization, the poultry industry invested more in highly profitable broiler breeds. Consequently, native chicken breeds across the country were neglected to become mongrels with unrefined and unpredictable performance and characteristics.
Dr. Cocjin realized that if the Philippines can emulate the success of Japan in breeding a native chicken of cultural significance, the country might be able to build a strong cultural pride that will help foster socio-economic growth. Being a native of Panay, Dr. Cocjin saw the answer in the farmlands of Iloilo—the Darag Native Chicken.
Never heard of Darag?
The Darag is one of the Philippines' native chicken breeds endemic in the island of Panay.
Darag is one of the many native chicken breeds of the Philippines. It is endemic to the islands of Panay and Guimaras and evolved from the Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus bankiva), which has been roaming around Southeast Asia for thousands of years.
To the uninitiated, Darag might seem indistinguishable from other types of native chicken breeds. One must be on the lookout for certain characteristics to identify a genuine Darag.
Darag, meaning yellow in ‘Kinaray-a’ or Ilonggo, is most recognizable for its yellowish-brown plumage. The color of its feathers is a combination of dark brown and golden yellow with a distinguishable stroke of yellow line on the middle part, from base to tip of each feather.
Darag hens fashion a brownish-yellow plumage hence the name, which means yellow in Kinaray-a language.
Accompanying the golden coat of Darag are its gray shanks or chicken feet. While other breeds may have a similar yellowish plumage, a genuine Darag must have gray shanks. Interestingly, farmers and breeders intentionally choose to breed chickens with gray shanks because they directly associate gray shanks with tastier meat.
One cannot overestimate the satisfaction of eating Darag native chicken. Its savory meat and distinct eating experience are claimed to be better than commercial chicken meat. It also differs from the known taste and experience of eating other native chicken breeds. While Darag meat might be slightly tougher compared to commercial chicken meat, it compensates with the lack of the gamy taste that is often associated with native and wild meats.
Another identifying characteristic of the Darag is its gray shanks. Ilonggo farmers often relate the ‘grayness’ of the shanks to the taste of the chicken’s meat. The grayer the shanks, the tastier the meat.
It is not hard to imagine that all around Iloilo City, Darag has overtaken many businesses. In the wet market of the old town, signages with the phrase ‘Authentic Darag native chicken’ are placed in every direction. Prices of dressed Darag plays competitively well among commercial chickens. Dressed Darag chicken is priced at 350 pesos per kilo, which can be profitable to farmers and sellers.
Darag native chicken dishes have also become a go-to meal for locals and tourists alike. Dishes like ’tinuom,’ ’binakol,’ and ’inasal.’ are the common gateway food to taste the Darag. Many restaurants have been offering Darag dishes on a larger scale as the demand increases. Among the well-known establishments offering popular Darag chicken dishes is JR Rawit’s Native Lechon Manok, which has been in the Darag business for 35 years.
Unlike commercial-dressed chickens, native chickens are displayed in the market as a whole chicken. This helps consumers distinguish native chicken meat from commercial chicken meat more easily.
For 35 years, Mang JR has been selling native chicken at the Iloilo Wet Market. He proudly tells the story of how his business was able to help his family and create opportunities for his community.
From left to right: Tinuom, Inasal, and Binakol are among the famous Ilonggo dishes best paired with Darag meat.
Developing the Darag
The development of Darag Native Chicken started with the initiative of Dr. Cocjin under his tenure at the West Visayas State University in the 1980s. Inspired by Japan’s Hinai-dori, Dr. Cocjin started the research on creating a purified line of Darag in the Philippines. But, just like the mountain ranges of Panay, the task was surely going to be an uphill climb. And the first challenge, of course, was where to start.
Panay has been home to a large population of native chickens. The problem was that these populations were mongrels that presented varying performance and unpredictable characteristics. This situation complicates establishing a genuine population of Darag since a chicken that may look like a Darag based on its physical characteristics may carry recessive genes from other breeds. This means that the next generation of chickens will not be uniform and will again have a diverse set of characteristics.
The solution was to purify the population of the Darag native chickens through targeted selection and breeding. With the combined efforts of researchers from WVSU led by Dr. Cocjin and institutional support from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), a successful selection and breeding program gave birth to a population of pure Darag native chickens.
The program entails collecting enough population of native chickens from different parts of Panay and Guimaras as the first generation for breeding. These chickens were chosen by their physical characteristics as defined by the research of Dr. Cocjin.
Through a meticulous selection and breeding process, the researchers developed a purified line of Darag chickens. With each generation being produced, chickens with non-Darag characteristics are taken away from the controlled population to avoid contaminating future generations with other genetic materials. Then, within eight generations of selection and breeding, a pure line of Darag with uniform and predictable characteristics was developed.
Dr. Synan Baguio, one of the advocates and pioneers of the native livestock industry in the country.
Dr. Synan Baguio, Director of the Livestock Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD and an advocate of the Philippine Native Livestock Industry, explains that once purified the Darag breed became a more viable livelihood for farmers.
“Noong ang Darag ay na-purify na natin, na-achieve na natin yung uniformity ng physical characteristics, predictability in production performance, and consistent product quality.” Dr. Baguio explained. With this, farmers are now able to grow Darag without facing the risk of profit loss due to inferior produce.
Investing on tradition
Investing in indigenous and grassroots technology may raise some eyebrows, especially in an era where Science is often related to modernity, big industries, advanced technologies, and bigger profit. It is easy to understand that people fear the risk of the unfamiliar.
However, DOST-PCAARRD saw an opportunity for the native chicken industry. Dr. Baguio explains that the blossoming Darag industry in Panay is an example of reinforcing culture and pride through science as a platform for greater socio-economic development.
“DOST-PCAAARD is supporting the development of Darag native chickens because ethnic delicacy in an area is part of the culture, which when developed properly can be considered one of the cultural prides. And in addition to that, there’s also the opportunity to create a stable livelihood for the farmers and for the processors who would be producing the ethnic delicacies,” said Dr. Baguio.
Indeed, the S&T intervention of dedicated researchers has paved the way for a sustainable Darag industry.
Moving forward, Dr. Baguio promised that the development of Darag would continue. “Ang ating mga breeding and selection activity ay magpapatuloy dahil gusto pa natin na mas pataasin ang produksyon at kalidad ng Darag na isang Philippine Native Chicken.”
He also urged more scientists and researchers to help develop the Darag breed. Currently, DOST-PCAARRD is looking to fund initiatives that will continue to develop the production and sustainability of Darag.
Technology to people
Now that science has guaranteed the authenticity of Darag, the next step is to make sure that it is available to any consumer who wants to get a taste of it. Farmers and growers are the foundation of the industry. Therefore, empowering them is the key to creating a sustainable Darag native chicken economy.
With the developed breeding program of WVSU and supported by DOST-PCAARRD, various trainings and seminars were conducted to capacitate local farmers. These trainings aim to impart the significance of conserving the genetic potential of Darag.
One major leap in the promotion of the Darag native chicken was the creation of the Panay Darag Breeders Association (PADABA) in 2017. The group, consisting of over 100 local farmers, business owners, and former OFWs, aims to make the Darag a strong commodity and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Aling Ness started her small backyard farm in anticipation of her seafarer husband’s retirement. Her farm, La Granja De Moreno, is now one of the major breeding farms and suppliers of Darag chickens in Panay.
Agnes Filipinas Moreno, known as ‘Ness’ by her peers, is among the Ilonggo farmers who adopted the breeding program for raising Darag. She is also a PADABA member. Together with her husband, a former OFW, they created a thriving business of breeding and selling Darag.
Sharing her farming expertise, Aling Ness says that the production cost for Darag has been relatively cheaper than other breeds. Feed cost, for example, has been cut down to a minimum due to non-reliance on commercial feeds. Being a native breed, Darag native chickens have developed a healthy gut and can consume a variety of forages, giving them a relative advantage compared to other breeds of chickens that rely on commercial feeds alone.
“Talagang maganda!” Aling Ness expressed about the business of Darag. “Puwede mong mai-recommend sa iba. Lalo na sa mga retirees. Kasi kung mahalin mo lang [ang Darag] ay bibigyan ka din nila ng magandang [kabuhayan].”
Among the sustainable farming practices of La Granja De Moreno is the use of organic feed meals for the chickens. This feed is often a mixture of forages such as 'kangkong,’ trichanthera, oregano, taro leaves, and root crops. Through this, Aling Ness’ farm can cut down operation costs and improve profits.