Chemist Pinky Tobiano is celebrating the launch of the newly named Association of Veterinary and Agri-Quality Assurance Laboratories of the Philippines, Inc. (AVAQAL), which recently held its induction of officers.
Formerly known as the Association of BAI-Registered Laboratories (ABAIL), the organization was founded 16 years ago by Dr. Edna Zenaida Villacorte.
ABAIL’s goal was to ensure high-quality veterinary medicines under the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). However, with the transition to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AVAQAL now aims to support local veterinary medicine production and animal feed quality.
“AVAQAL will guide quality control laboratories on standards and compliance, fostering a spirit of collaboration and addressing industry issues as a group,” Tobiano explained. “We are stronger together, representing veterinarians and animal medicine manufacturers.”
The induction event featured speeches from FDA Director General Samuel Zacate, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, and Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica.
Tobiano, who has been a chemist for 37 years, leads AVAQAL as president, representing Progressive Laboratories. The new officers include Herbert Mendoza as vice president (Lipa Quality Control Center), Jessa Jane Mariano as secretary (Hoc Po Feeds Corporation), Chiqui Canlas as treasurer (Qualibet Testing Services Corporation), Leonardo Agoyaoy as auditor (Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation), and Yehlen Salilid Borja as director (FAST Laboratories).
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