Ms. Laarni M. Parungao serves as a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She concurrently serves as the agency’s Head of the Research and Development Section and Head of the Production and Marketing Outlet, where she directs the advancement of value-added livestock technologies and their successful introduction to the commercial market. An MS in Food Science graduate and BS Food Technology graduate from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and a certified Food Safety Compliance Officer (FSCO), Ms. Parungao specializes in translating dairy and meat research into viable, legally compliant community enterprises. She spearheads product development initiatives at PCC at UPLB Milka Krem and trains assisted dairy cooperatives in food safety, quality assurance, and compliance procedures. Her recent collaborative project explores the utilization of UPLB BIOTECH microbial rennet as a local substitute for imported commercial rennet in carabao milk-based white cheese production. This innovation not only promotes self-sufficiency but also strengthens food safety standards in the local dairy sector.