Cagayan Valley’s newest semen facility in Cagayan Valley Livestock Biotechnology Research Center, was officially inaugurated on March 26, 2025, at DA Southern Cagayan Research Station, Maguirig, Solana, Cagayan.

“It is not the machine that counts for us here. It is the integrity and credibility of the output and the people who know how to use them that matters to us.

This enhances the region’s food security and contributes to the country’s agricultural self-sufficiency. The semen facility also serves as a hub for knowledge sharing and capacity building among farmers, particularly the youth,” Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, DA RFO 2 Regional Executive Director said in her message.

Meanwhile, Dr. Noverlee Calub said NLP Central Office will support the project that was inaugurated.

“Nakasuporta po kami, at kung ano pa ang sasabihin ng Directorate,” Calub said.

“This is worth emulating. Imagine how many trainees of AI will be produced monthly. It will have surely a multiplying effect,” Dr. Ruth Sonaco said. “Congratulations.”

Ms. Kay Olivas narrated the area was before known as Cagayan Breeding Station, home of Kalahari and Boer goats.

“During the time when we sat down for the Cattle and Goat roadmap, we told Dr. Bryan Sibayan to propose for this. This was before a Goat Nucleus Farm,” Olivas said.

The event was attended by esteemed guests, led by Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Regional Executive Director, DA RFO 2; Dr. Ruth Sonaco, Center Director of International Training Center of Pig Husbandry; Dr. Noverlee Calub, Deputy Director, NLP Central Office; Dr. Clarise Alaska, ATI RTC2 OIC Director, RTD for Research and Regulations Ms. Kay Olivas, Dr. Roberto Busania, RTD, DA RFO 2, Mr. Hector Tabbun, Research Division chief, Ms. Norma Nerona, SCRC Station Manager, Dr. Bryan Sibayan, Mr. Ferdinand Arquero, the Regional AI Coordinator, and the different Livestock Program Focal Persons nationwide.

The facility aims to improve the region’s livestock industry by providing high-quality semen for artificial insemination.

This initiative is expected to boost the local dairy and meat production, contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth.

The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone in Cagayan Valley’s agricultural development, highlighting the region’s commitment to advancing its livestock industry.