𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) marks another significant breakthrough in research and innovation with the implementation of the DOST–TECHNiCOM funded project, “Mooving-Forward with the Philippine Mastitis Test,” an initiative designed to deliver affordable and accessible solutions to dairy farmers across the country.

With a total project allocation of Php 3,778,174.00, the twelve-month program officially commenced on 23 May 2025 and is set to conclude on 22 May 2026. The project focuses on the development of a cost-efficient mastitis test reagent, providing dairy farmers with a practical and reliable tool for the early detection of mastitis as one of the most prevalent and economically damaging diseases affecting dairy cattle.

Notably, this initiative established the only Mastitis Testing Center in the Philippines, positioning TAU at the forefront of dairy health diagnostics and innovation. Since its implementation, the technology has already gained traction beyond Tarlac, with early adopters from the neighboring province of Pangasinan, reflecting the growing demand for affordable mastitis detection solutions among dairy communities.

The project is spearheaded by Ms. Catherine Diane DG. Robillos, Instructor at the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), with the support of Mr. Ronaldo A. Briones, Project Technical Staff III and CAF faculty member. Together with the research team, they are dedicated to transforming scientific research into farm-ready technologies that directly respond to the pressing needs of dairy farmers, particularly in the region.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, the project continues to expand its reach. Exploratory meetings are currently being conducted with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) in Southern Luzon, signaling potential collaboration and wider institutional adoption of the Philippine Mastitis Test to benefit more dairy farmers nationwide.

Mastitis significantly affects milk quality, productivity, and farmer income. Through this innovation, TAU aims to help farmers reduce production losses, lower veterinary expenses, and improve overall herd health contributing to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Philippine dairy industry.

This milestone stands as a collective achievement of the entire TAU community faculty, researchers, staff, and students whose shared commitment to innovation, service, and agricultural development made this endeavor possible, supported by an institutional environment that continuously nurtures impactful research.

With the successful implementation of the said venture, TAU reaffirms its role as a catalyst for science-based solutions, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the dairy farm, and empowering Filipino farmers through accessible, cost-efficient, and locally developed technologies.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #PMT #DOST #SustainableAgriculture #SDG2 #SDG9 #SDG15 #SDG17 

Text | Johndel G. Dela Cruz [Information Unit]
Photos | June Adel S. Guerrero [Information Unit]

Graphic | Omar U. Barauntong [Information Unit]