The UPLB Institute of Animal Science conducted a site visit to Mahatao, Batanes, from March 24-29, 2025, for the “Establishment of the Batanes Native Pig (Bagu) Breeding Herd” project. The visit aimed to monitor and evaluate efforts to improve the native pig breeding herd in the area, with Dr. Consuelo Amor S. Estrella leading the team after taking over from Asst. Prof. Jorge Michael D. Dominguez. The team met with local officials, including Hon. Pedro F. Poncio, the Municipal Mayor of Mahatao, to discuss project developments and future feeding systems under Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo’s leadership.

During their stay, the team also assessed the project’s progress and provided technical assistance, which included participation in the 1st BSC Student Research Congress, where they served as evaluators for student research proposals across various fields. The week concluded with a land survey for potential feed sources and a workshop to review and plan remaining deliverables for Phase I of the project. UPLB IAS expressed gratitude to Batanes State College for their collaboration in this research initiative.