Published August 06, 2025 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University-Gonzaga received a ₱4.6 million grant from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO 2) for the establishment of a Sheep Multiplier Farm, marking a significant milestone as the first state university in Region 2 to be awarded funding under the DA’s Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held on August 4 at the CSU-Gonzaga campus, signaling the beginning of a new endeavor aimed to support and strengthen the local and regional sheep industry.
Gracing the occasion were university leaders Dr. Theresa Dimalanta, Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Ana Marie Cauilan, Vice President for Internationalization, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization (IPRM), who both represented CSU President Dr. Arthur Ibañez. Also in attendance were Dr. Hitler Dangatan, CEO of CSU-Piat; Hon. Rellie S. Dalmaceda, Mayor of Gonzaga; and Dr. Bryan Sibayan, Regional Livestock Focal Person from DA-RFO 2.
The program was marked with inspirational messages from dignitaries, expressing their support and hope for the success of the Sheep Multiplier Farm. Dr. Vincent Palor, CSU-Gonzaga Campus Veterinarian, accepted the challenge posed by the DA for CSU-Gonzaga to become a future nucleus farm, citing DA’s unwavering support as a key to realizing this vision.
Dr. Cauilan conveyed CSU’s strong commitment to the project and lauded the leadership of Dr. Froilan Pacris Jr., CEO of CSU-Gonzaga, for fostering strategic partnerships with the DA. She challenged the academic community —students, faculty, and administrators alike —to treat the project as a legacy, and to utilize it as a platform for advancing instruction, research, extension, and production.
Delivering the message of President Ibañez, Dr. Dimalanta emphasized the university’s gratitude to the DA for its continued support of food security initiatives. The president expressed hope that the project would serve future generations and become a model for innovation and inclusive growth.
On behalf of DA Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Dr. Sibayan underscored the importance of diversifying agricultural practices and creating new opportunities for farmers. He explained that the sheep multiplier farm will help improve the availability of high-quality sheep breeding stock, which will enhance livestock productivity and health.
CSU-Gonzaga CEO Dr. Froilan Pacris Jr. extended his appreciation to all individuals and partners who contributed to the proposal’s realization. He shared that the Sheep Multiplier Farm will include a techno-demo facility for students, faculty, and local sheep growers. He also emphasized that the project will enhance the university’s research and extension services, generate campus income, and boost employment and livelihood opportunities in the local community.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial groundbreaking and awarding of financial assistance, marking the beginning of a promising development for the university and the local agricultural sector.
Photos: Campus MIS