𝑾𝑴𝑺𝑼 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑰𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝑴𝑶𝑼 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝟗

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 21, 2025, at the Office of the President, Pagadian City Extension Campus.

The agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative research initiative titled “Assessment of Biosafety and Biosecurity Practices of ZamPen Native Chicken Farms in Region 9,” which aims to strengthen agricultural practices and enhance biosafety standards in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Representing WMSU was Project Leader Dr. Dulce-Amor P. Matondo, while President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales and Dr. Moises Glenn G. Tangalin, Project Staff, Dumingag Campus Director, represented JHCSC.

The project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), focuses on improving native chicken production systems by assessing current farm practices, developing science-based biosecurity protocols, and promoting safe and sustainable farming methods.

Among the project’s key components are the establishment of a model farm, training and capacity-building activities for local chicken growers, and the generation of data to guide future agricultural and biosafety policies. Through community engagement and applied research, the initiative empowers native chicken farmers with tools and knowledge to improve productivity while ensuring animal and environmental health.

This partnership between WMSU and JHCSC directly advances sustainable agriculture, strengthens local food systems, and supports community development efforts across Region 9.