SU Biology dep’t gears up for its Philippine Spotted Deer Project

The Silliman University (SU) Biology Department has met with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARD) to prepare for its Philippine Spotted Deer Project.

The inception meeting took place at the Anthropology Museum Conference Room on December 4, 2023. Aside from leveling off expectations among the key players involved in the project, the inception meeting was mainly intended for DOST-PCAARD to orient the SU faculty and staff on project administration, implementation, and financial reporting.

The occasion was also used by the DOST personnel to visit the facilities at the SU Biology Department and the captive-bred spotted deer at the Center for Tropical Studies (CENTROP) in Palinpinon.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the DOST-PCAARRD, which included Dr. Nimfa K. Torreta (Head, Forestry & Environment Research Division), Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral (Program Monitoring & Evaluation), and Dr. Christine D. Santiago (ISP Manager for Biodiversity). The meeting also involved representatives from Silliman University’s Business & Finance Office, Buildings & Grounds Department, and Biology Department.

The Philippine Spotted Deer Project team is composed of Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II (Project Leader), Dr. Aye Mee F. Bartocillo (Senior Science Research Specialist), Dr. Nadia Palomar-Abesamis (Project Staff), Asst. Prof. Persie Q. Sienes (Project Staff), and Gerald T. Marco (Project Assistant).

Funded by DOST-PCAARD, the project entitled, “Enhancing the Conservation and Breeding Program of the Philippine Spotted Deer, Using Molecular-based Approaches for Natural Resiliency,” aims to conduct research essential for the conservation of the critically endangered and endemic Rusa alfredi species. It will also enhance the department’s capacity to provide molecular-based approaches to wildlife conservation in the region.

The program was launched on October 25, 2023 at the SU 3rd Floor Board Room Annex with a formal presentation of the project and discussion of areas for collaboration and expectations between SU Biology and partner government agencies and organizations. Participants of the activity included Engr. Viernov D. Grefalde (OIC Provincial Environment & Natural Resources Office, Negros Oriental), Atty. Gilbert R. Arbon (Negros Oriental S&T Director – DOST), Matthew Ward (Executive Director, Talarak Foundation, Inc) and Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope (Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Silliman University). Other project partners include the Department of Environment & Natural Resources Region VII, City Environment & Natural Resources Office – Dumaguete City, and West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry and Mari-it Conservation Park.