With the theme “Feeding the Future: Charting the Path of Livestock and Poultry Industry to Innovative and Sustainable Food Systems,” the 9^th National Animal Science Quiz Contest (NASQC) convened the representatives from 16 colleges and universities at the Edwin Bingham Copeland Gymnasium, UPLB, last March 4-8, 2024.

As part of the 115^th Foundation Celebration of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science, the 9^th NASQC kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Oath of Membership. The annual event was organized by the UP Animal Science Society (UPASS), a duly recognized student academic organization under the UPLB Institute of Animal Science (IAS).

(L-R) Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo (Director, IAS), Mr. Ronald Daniel R. Mascaniñas (President and Gen. Manager, BAVI), Mr. Dhelvin P. San Agustin (President, UPASS), Dr. Noel B. Lumbo (Junior Adviser, UPASS), and Dr. Oliver D. Abanto (Senior Adviser, UPASS) Photo courtesy of KCB Tenorio

In his keynote address, IAS Director Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo encouraged the participants to foster lasting connections within the animal science community. Mr. Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas, President and General Manager of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. and this year’s diamond sponsor, emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and fair play in developing one’s character.

A bountiful luncheon at the Copeland Gym concluded the opening ceremonies. This was followed by the ASSCON Seminar in Lansigan Hall at the College of Forestry and Natural Resources in the afternoon.

On the second day, the Extension Seminar Series invited Ms. Maria Ella Cecilia B. Obligado of the Department of Agriculture RO IV-A to discuss the government initiatives for resilient food systems, while Mr. John Vincent Garcia of the IAS presented on the role of biotechnology in the animal industry. Part 2 of the series featured Ms. Cecille A. Virtucio who presented “Assessing Resilience: Navigating Challenges in the Modern Animal Industry with a Unified Approach.” Chooks-to-Go shared its experience in “Striking the Balance: Paving the Way for Modern Agriculture in Production and Processing.” Ms. Aida B. Lanaca highlighted the importance of dairy products in our daily lives through the art of pastillas making, while Ms. Maria Noriza Q. Herrera discussed the “Economic Implications of Establishing a Sustainable Food System: An Animal Industry Perspective.” The seminar series provided attendees with in-depth knowledge on innovative and sustainable approaches to food systems.

To promote camaraderie, a team-building activity dubbed “PatalASSan ng Galing” was organized, where participants engaged in fun games and activities to foster strong bonds.

On the third day of the celebration, participants embarked on a campus tour of various locations within UPLB to gain insights into the university’s research and extension activities.

Studes from CavSU clinch first place in the NASQC 2024. Photo courtesy of UPASS

The competition was divided in three rounds – written exam (20%), practical exam (20%), and quiz contest (60%). The teams were tested on various specializations in Animal Science including animal nutrition, breeding and genetics, physiology, production and management, meat, and dairy science. Students from the Cavite State University (CavSU) reigned supreme as the overall champion, while Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU-Naawan) secured the second and third places, respectively. The students’ achievements are a testament and inspiration for future generations of students to pursue careers in this vital field.

The 9^th NASQC was participated by 15 colleges and universities offering Animal Science programs – Visayas State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Mindanao State University-Gen. Santos City, MSU-Naawan, Mindoro State University, CavSU, CLSU, Aklan State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Abra State Institute of Science and Technology, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Kalinga State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, and Benguet State University – and one non-competing participating college, the Occidental Mindoro State College.

NASQC aims to promote scholastic and academic excellence through a competitive quiz contest, observing healthy and fair competitions. More so, it serves as an avenue for Animal Science students across the Philippines to establish connections, exchange of ideas, and discussions on the current food systems and advancements in Animal Science.

The NASQC 2024 concluded with a closing ceremony and the announcement of winners. The event successfully brought together young minds in the field of animal science to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to feeding the future.