As part of the Department of Agriculture Bicol’s commitment to elevate the quality of its Livestock program services, the blessing of the liquid nitrogen (LN2) generator plant and Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) satellite office located at the DA Bicol Compound in Brgy. San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur was conducted on May 15, 2024. DA Bicol Rodel P. Tornilla and Farmer Regional Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos graced the ceremony together with DA PCC Agricultural Center Chief IV Dr. Thelma A. Saludes.

The P2.36 million-worth LN2 generator plant intends to boost ruminant production in Bicol by supplementing the region’s LN2 requirement for cryopreservation, livestock germplasm and genetic upgrading. The facility is also designed to improve and expand PCC’s technical assistance and services in the region. It includes a power generator, three-phase transformer, separate electric and water meters and storage tanks to be installed, maintained, and operated by the PCC. Two technical staff will be employed in the satellite office.

For its part, DA Bicol provided the site and existing building. The office will also assist in operating the LN2 generator when necessary and assign back up maintenance personnel to undergo hands-on training from PCC’s technical staff. The targeted operating date for the LN2 generator plant is by mid-2024.

The blessing of the LN2 generator plant was among the highlights of the 2024 Farmers’ Festival Cum Kadiwa sa DA. OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez, Farmer Regional Technical Director for Operations Ma’am Rebecca Purisima, Administrative and Finance Division Chief Imelda Acompañado, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engr. Jerry Eboña, OIC-Field Operations Division Chief Earl Vincent Vegas, Livestock Program Focal Person Dr. Marissa Guillermo, Farmer RAED Chief Annielyn L. Panerio, Farmer Admin and Finance Division Chief Roberto N. Diesta, Farmer Field Operations Division Chief Maria Daisy G. Geolin also attended the activity. (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V with reports from Carla Mai G. Moit, PCC)