Aboitiz Group turns over CMU Agri Hub

MANILA, Philippines — Two units of the Aboitiz Group have turned over a P9 million modern livestock training complex in Northern Mindanao to boost agricultural research in the region.

In a statement, the Aboitiz Group said food business unit Pilmico and the Aboitiz Foundation has turned over the Central Mindanao University (CMU) Agri Hub.

The facility located inside CMU houses four research and development centers fully-equipped with the latest tools and technologies on swine genetics, animal nutrition, artificial insemination, and farm management.

Leading the turnover held at the CMU grounds were Pilmico assistant vice president for feeds Jefferson Abian, Aboitiz Foundation first vice president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan, CMU president Jesus Derije and Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 — director III Carla Bajarla.

Bajarla highlighted the importance of the project, noting that it will bring in mutual benefits for both students and farmers, while boosting rural development.

“As true partners for growth, the establishment of the CMU Agri Hub is a tangible expression of our promise to empower the backyard sector, and ultimately, the agriculture industry as a whole,” Abian said.

For her part, Marasigan expressed optimism for the opportunities the new facility may bring.

“With our continuous fruitful partnership, we envision this facility to be significant in creating many possibilities for the fish, poultry and swine sectors. We desire to continuously work closely with you in co-creating safe, empowered, and sustainable communities,” Marasigan said.

Last year, Pilmico announced that it would build the CMU Agri Hub.

Abian earlier said the livestock training complex would provide a venue for knowledge-sharing, research and development and innovation.

“A modern facility complete with the latest tools and technologies on swine genetics, animal nutrition, artificial insemination and farm management, which the whole community can benefit from,” he was earlier quoted saying.

The company earlier intended to complete construction of the facility in August last year.

Pilmico earlier said CMU’s University Income Generation Program will manage the facility.