The visit specifically aims for the PCC officials to be able to identify relevant and specific international public and private sector program concepts and strategies that are applicable, can be refined and adapted to strengthen the genetic improvement, enterprise development, and research and development of the National Carabao Development Program.
SEARCA had coordinated with Dr. Steve Staal, ILRI’s Regional Representative for East and Southeast Asia, in organizing the study mission.
Dr. John Murray McIntire, ILRI Deputy Director General for Integrated Sciences, warmly welcomed the PCC officials on behalf of Dr. Jimmy Smith, ILRI Director General. He said that ILRI has outlined institutional and field visits for the group to enable them to achieve the objectives of their visit.
The PCC officials, led by their former Executive Director, Dr. Libertado Cruz, include Dr. Liza Battad, Chief of Planning and Special Projects; Dr. Annabelle Sarabia, Chief of Operations; Dr. Arnel del Barrio, Center Director of PCC at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Dr. Eric Palacpac, Chief of Knowledge Resource Management and R&D Coordinator; and Dr. Claro M. Mingala, Scientist and Lead Researcher for Animal Health. They are accompanied by Ms. Nova A. Ramos, SEARCA Program Specialist.
The group will be in Kenya until 21 March 2014.