The Scientific Career System (SCS) welcomes Dr. Lilian P. Villamor, newly conferred Career Scientist I of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC).
Dr. Lilian P. Villamor is the Head of the National Livestock Cryobank (NLC) and a Senior Science Research Specialist at the DA-PCC. She specializes in the conservation of animal genetic resources, contributing to sustainable livestock production systems.
Dr. Villamor played a key role in establishing the NLC and drafting the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 31, which formally designated the DA-PCC Cryobank as the NLC. From 2015 to 2019, she led the BIOTECH-R1506 project, funded by DA - Bureau of Agricultural Research and DA - Biotechnology Program Office, which identified pure-type swamp buffaloes and established a Carabao Sanctuary on Calayan Island and Pitogo Island in Bohol. Her research from 2021 to 2023 confirmed that swamp and riverine buffaloes are distinct species, supporting the revival of Bubalus kerabau Fitzinger, 1860 as a separate classification for swamp buffaloes.
Her work on whole genome sequencing of the Philippine Carabao has provided critical insights into genetic traits relevant to conservation, health, and breeding, leading to increased market value and improved conservation strategies. A 2021 study further highlighted the decline in native buffalo genetic lineages, emphasizing the need for preservation.
Dr. Villamor currently manages two national projects funded by DA-BAR and the National Livestock Program (NLP), which focus on semen profiling and cryopreservation protocols essential for the NLC (2023-2024). These initiatives have paved the way for a new project utilizing cryopreserved semen from swine and goats for sustainable genetic resource management.