DOST-PCAARRD to launch project evaluation and ‘Saribuhay’ documentation of CSU’s Patani chicken

Officials from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a courtesy call at the Office of the President of Caraga State University (CSU), together with the Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCAARRD), to formally commence a series of activities focused on technical project evaluation and national media documentation on May 12, 2026.

The delegation was received by CSU President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, CCAARRD Director Dr. Raquel M. Balanay, Caraga Black Native Chicken (CBNC) Project Leader Dr. Tomas M. Austral Jr., and University Veterinarian Dr. Jayzel O. Dela Peña. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen coordination among DOST-PCAARRD, CSU, and CCAARRD to support ongoing research and development initiatives in the region.

The visit is part of DOST-PCAARRD’s mandate to monitor and evaluate Science and Technology (S&T) projects within the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector. The Livestock Research Division (LRD), represented by Dr. Synan S. Baguio, Dr. Marites R. Dayo, and Mr. Richarlm G. Doctor, is in the region to review the progress of the project: “Improving Growth and Reproductive Performance of Caraga Black Native Chicken through Selection and Breeding.” This project, led by Dr. Austral, Jr. of CSU, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the genetic potential, productivity, and reproductive performance of the Caraga Black Native Chicken or Patani chicken, contributing to local livelihood opportunities, regional food security, and the conservation of native animal genetic resources.

In parallel, the Applied Communication Division (ACD) of DOST-PCAARRD is also in the region to document the Saribuhay project, the Council’s flagship program that showcases the country’s biodiversity, science-based innovations, and success stories in the AANR sector. Led by Dr. Paul Jersey G. Leron, the production team will conduct on-site documentation at multiplier farms in Cabadbaran City and at the Department of Agriculture Research and Experiment Station in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

The courtesy call officially marked the start of these evaluation and documentation activities, ensuring close coordination among the national council, the university, and the consortium. Through the combined efforts of technical monitoring and strategic science communication, DOST-PCAARRD, CSU, and CCAARRD continue to bring regional research initiatives to the national stage, highlighting the Caraga Black Native Chicken as a symbol of agricultural resilience, biodiversity conservation, and science-driven development in Caraga.