The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) formalized its collaboration with Aboitiz Foods through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 12, 2026. The Institute of Animal Science will serve as the implementing unit for the proposed swine research facility.
According to UPLB, the partnership aims to advance research, innovation, and knowledge transfer in sustainable swine production. A world-class Swine Research and Development (R&D) Center will be established at UPLB’s Laguna Land Grant.
Building a shared research facility
Around 15 hectares of the property will be dedicated to the proposed facility. The project is envisioned to strengthen academic-industry collaboration in livestock research and innovation.
During the signing, Tristan Aboitiz, President and CEO of Pilmico and Aboitiz Foods, shared the company’s vision of creating impact across the agricultural value chain through research-driven and sustainability-oriented initiatives.
“We are not just making feed. We are making an effort to create impact across the entire value chain, ensuring the best quality and embedding sustainability in what we do,” Mr Aboitiz said.
Supporting science-based solutions
He emphasized that the proposed partnership will support precise nutrition requirements and feeding programs to optimize pig growth and survivability. UPLB’s expertise in agricultural and animal science research will anchor the initiative.
“With a projected investment of around USD 5 million, this facility would feature state-of-the-art breeding, gestation, and farrowing capabilities that will serve as a center of excellence for the next generation of sustainable swine technology,” he added.
Mr Aboitiz stressed that the facility is envisioned not as a corporate hub but as a shared space for academic-industry collaboration. Dedicated resources and trials will support institutional research while enabling translation of discoveries into commercially viable advancements.
The collaboration will translate institutional research discoveries into commercially viable advancements and contribute to sustainable, science-based solutions for the Philippine swine industry.
Commitment to food security and competitiveness
Representing UPLB during the ceremonial signing were:
- ✅ Dr Jose V Camacho Jr, Chancellor
- ✅ Dr Haerold Dean Z Layaoen, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Enterprise Management
- ✅ Dr Amado A Angeles, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science
- ✅ Dr Kimberly I Turaja, Deputy Director of the Institute of Animal Science, representing Dr Noel B Lumbo, IAS Director
- ✅ Dr Rommel C Sulabo, swine nutrition expert from the Institute of Animal Science
- ✅ Representatives from the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office and partner offices
Mr Aboitiz led representatives and technical teams from Aboitiz Foods in attending the ceremony.
Both institutions pledged long-term commitment to advancing swine research, strengthening food security, and supporting livestock sustainability and competitiveness.