PhilSAR Holds First Semi-Annual Membership Meeting and Scientific Symposium

Members come together online to review the Society’s progress, prepare for its first international congress, and exchange knowledge on reproductive biotechnology

The Philippine Society of Animal Reproduction (PhilSAR) successfully held its 1st Semi-Annual Membership Meeting and Scientific Symposium via Zoom, bringing together members from the academe, research institutions, government, and the livestock industry under the theme “Advancing Reproductive Biotechnologies for Livestock Genetic Improvement.”

More than an organizational meeting, the gathering provided a space for members to reflect on PhilSAR’s progress since its establishment in 2025, discuss preparations for major upcoming activities, and share recent developments in reproductive biotechnology—particularly multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET).

Building a Growing Community for Animal Reproduction

In her President’s Report, Dr. Danilda Hufana-Duran, PhilSAR President, revisited the Society’s beginnings and emphasized its role as a professional platform connecting the academe, research institutions, industry, government, and other stakeholders involved in animal reproduction.

She underscored PhilSAR’s goal of strengthening knowledge sharing, developing competencies in animal reproductive science and biotechnology, promoting collaboration, and encouraging the sharing of expertise and resources among institutions.

The meeting also highlighted several milestones achieved by the young organization. PhilSAR has completed its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Bureau of Internal Revenue, established its own bank accounts, and expanded its membership to 36 members representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the international community.

Members were also introduced to the story behind PhilSAR’s emblem, which draws inspiration from the structure of an embryo and incorporates representations of animal species, DNA, microscopy, fertilization, and the Philippine map—reflecting the Society’s foundation in reproductive science and its commitment to serving the country.

From Collaboration to Field Application

Among the developments shared during the meeting was PhilSAR’s involvement in facilitating the establishment of a mobile laboratory for livestock reproductive biotechnology in the City of Ilagan, Isabela.

The mobile facility, developed with support from the City Government of Ilagan, is already being used for reproductive biotechnology activities, particularly MOET. During its initial operation involving a Jersey donor, 13 embryos were recovered, with six subsequently transferred to recipients.

The initiative demonstrates how collaboration among scientists, local government, industry, and other partners can bring advanced reproductive technologies closer to farms and livestock communities.

Preparing for PhilSAR’s First International Congress

A major portion of the meeting focused on preparations for PhilSAR’s biggest undertaking yet: its first annual scientific convention, to be jointly conducted with the 8th Biennial Conference of the ASEAN Regional Society of Animal Production, on December 1–3, 2026 at Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga.

Working committees presented their initial plans covering the scientific program, registration and secretariat, finance and sponsorship, publications, logistics, publicity and communications, design and branding, industry engagement, hospitality, transportation, and internationalization.

The Society also presented the developing congress website, registration system, and promotional materials. During the discussions, members agreed to continue refining the congress guidelines, including an abstract submission deadline of September 15 and full-paper submission deadline of October 15, 2026.

The meeting further highlighted the international character envisioned for the congress, with 10 international plenary speakers already confirmed at the time of the meeting. Beyond presenting scientific advances, PhilSAR sees the congress as an opportunity for Filipino researchers, faculty members, students, and practitioners to build connections with experts and institutions from other countries.

Members from the livestock industry also volunteered to help strengthen sponsorship and industry participation, reflecting PhilSAR’s continuing effort to bridge the gap among academe, research, and industry.

Advancing MOET for Livestock Genetic Improvement

The membership meeting transitioned into the scientific symposium with a presentation by Dr. Danilda Hufana-Duran on the status of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer for the production of purebred Wagyu in the Philippines.

The presentation walked members through the MOET process—from donor and recipient selection, synchronization and superovulation to artificial insemination, embryo recovery, evaluation, cryopreservation, and transfer.

Dr. Hufana-Duran explained how the technology can maximize the reproductive potential of genetically valuable animals. Rather than relying on a superior female to produce one calf per pregnancy, MOET allows several embryos to be generated and transferred to recipient cows, including locally available cattle that can serve as surrogate mothers.

Results from previous field trials involving Japanese Black and Red Wagyu were also presented. Across the reported trials, the team recovered an average of 5.7 embryos per donor, while highlighting the importance of careful donor selection, body condition, technical competence, and the availability of sufficient recipient animals.

The trials achieved an overall pregnancy rate of approximately 53.9%, with fresh embryo transfers reaching a higher pregnancy rate than transfers using cryopreserved embryos. Several calves resulting from the program have already been born in partner farms.

Another innovation discussed was the integration of artificial insemination and embryo transfer, which successfully produced twins consisting of a calf conceived through AI and another derived from a transferred embryo. The approach is among the breeding strategies being explored to further maximize reproductive output.

Bringing Reproductive Biotechnology Closer to Farmers

The symposium also looked beyond the research setting toward the wider application of MOET.

In the City of Ilagan, more than 400 F1 Wagyu calves had previously been produced through artificial insemination. The developing program aims to build on these animals by using selected F1 females as embryo donors and backcrossing them with purebred Wagyu semen toward the production of cattle with a higher proportion of Wagyu genetics. Interest in similar reproductive biotechnology initiatives is also emerging from other areas, including Abra and Pangasinan.

These developments reflect one of PhilSAR’s central aspirations: to help move reproductive science beyond laboratories and classrooms and into practical applications that can contribute to genetic improvement, livestock productivity, and ultimately better opportunities for Filipino livestock raisers.

Moving Forward Together

The meeting concluded with a call for greater participation from members as PhilSAR enters an increasingly active period of preparation for its December congress. Committees were encouraged to finalize their plans, budgets, and contributions to the Society’s website, while members who had not yet joined a working committee were invited to volunteer.

For a Society still in its early years, the first semi-annual gathering marked another step in turning PhilSAR’s founding vision into collective action—connecting people, sharing knowledge, developing skills, and creating opportunities for reproductive biotechnology to contribute meaningfully to Philippine livestock development.

Through scientific exchange, collaboration, and hands-on application, PhilSAR continues to build a community where animal reproduction science can move from knowledge to practice—and from practice to impact.