The Department of Science and Technology-Region 1 (DOST Region 1), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office-Ilocos Sur (PSTO-IS), awarded ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ๐ด๐ผ๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ to ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ as part of its ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ. This project aims to enhance the cityโs capability to combat African Swine Fever (ASF) through early detection and response while promoting sustainable agriculture through innovative technologies.
The ASFV Nanogold Biosensor Test Kit, developed by ๐๐ฟ. ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ ๐. ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ผ and her team from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), is the first Filipino-designed screening tool for ASF. This advanced diagnostic kit detects ASF viral nucleic acids in biological and environmental samples, including blood, tissues, surface swabs, farm water, and processed pork products.
With results available in just 30 minutes, the technology combines a nucleic acid-based assay and nanotechnology using gold nanoparticles for quick and reliable visualization. The cost-effective and environmentally friendly kit provides a vital tool for managing ASF outbreaks and rebuilding the swine industry.
The awarding ceremony and training were held in Candon City. ๐๐ป๐ด๐ฟ. ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป ๐. ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฑ, Provincial Director of PSTO-Ilocos Sur, representing DOST Region 1 Regional Director ๐๐ฟ. ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ ๐. ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ผ๐ด, awarded the kits and equipment to
๐๐ฟ. ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐-๐๐ฎ๐ด, City Veterinarian; ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ, LGU Representative; ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฏ๐ถ๐ป, ๐๐ฟ., City Information Officer; and ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป, City Agriculturist.
Dr. Domingo, led the technical training, ensuring that the participants could effectively use the diagnostic tool to monitor and control ASF within the city.
The awarding of the ASFV Nanogold Biosensor Test Kits and laboratory equipment is a testament to DOSTโs commitment to Science, Technology, and Innovation. Equipping Candon City with these advanced tools as a ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ would address agricultural challenges specifically in the swine industry and ensure food security.
This initiative also aligns with efforts to boost the local swine industry, which has been heavily impacted by ASF. Through timely detection and control of ASF outbreaks, Candon City is set to enhance its livestock management, support economic recovery, and boost public confidence in pork production.
DOST Region 1 is committed to advancing local communities and enabling smart, sustainable development in Ilocos Sur!