About PCLAM

The Philippine College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Inc. (PCLAM) is a distinguished specialty organization for veterinarians in the Philippines, dedicated to promoting excellence in laboratory animal medicine and the professional development of veterinary specialists in this field. Established as an affiliate of the International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine (IACLAM), PCLAM serves as the country’s formal collegiate body responsible for the certification, training, and continual education of veterinarians in laboratory animal science. Through its membership in IACLAM, PCLAM aligns with global standards and collaborates with other national colleges—including those in the US, Europe, India, Japan, and Korea—affirming its commitment to fostering the welfare and responsible use of laboratory animals. 

Functioning under the umbrella of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), PCLAM is one of several recognized specialty colleges, highlighting its official status in the veterinary profession. Under the leadership of its current president, PCLAM is actively engaged in postgraduate educational activities, scientific conferences, research collaborations, and professional advocacy. These initiatives are designed to equip veterinarians with expertise in laboratory animal management, biomedical research, ethical oversight, and institutional compliance.

A major role of PCLAM is to offer or endorse rigorous training programs that cover essential domains such as laboratory animal husbandry, experimental design, surgical techniques, anesthesia, analgesia, euthanasia, biosecurity, zoonotic disease control, and environmental enrichment. This comprehensive training ensures that Filipino veterinarians can competently oversee laboratory animal care and use, support Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), and uphold national and international welfare standards. PCLAM also serves as a certifying body, assessing and affirming the qualifications of veterinarians who wish to enter the field as recognized specialists in laboratory animal medicine.

In collaboration with PVMA, IACUCs, and research institutions, PCLAM takes an active role in raising professional standards across the country. It contributes to policy-making efforts, promotes the integration of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal research, and advises government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture on regulatory frameworks. By participating in specialty professional meetings and continuing education programs, the college fosters networking among veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers, strengthening the national capacity for ethical and scientifically robust biomedical research.

PCLAM’s membership in IACLAM enables representation at regional and international symposiums, granting Filipino laboratory animal medicine specialists access to cutting-edge science, emerging technologies, and global policy discussions. This international exposure enhances the Philippines’ professional capacity and elevates national research through global engagement. Moreover, it provides a crucial platform for bilateral knowledge exchange, enabling PCLAM to contribute Philippine perspectives to the wider scientific community and to adopt global best practices locally.

Looking ahead, PCLAM aims to broaden its impact by expanding training opportunities, establishing formal residency or fellowship pathways in laboratory animal medicine, and strengthening research collaborations on a national and international scale. A central goal is to integrate laboratory animal medicine more deeply into veterinary postgraduate education and to obtain formal accreditation for such specialist training in the country. Through these efforts, PCLAM seeks to produce a cadre of board-certified veterinary specialists who will champion animal welfare, scientific rigor, and ethical responsibility in research and academia.

In summary, the Philippine College of Laboratory Animal Medicine plays a vital role in shaping the future of laboratory animal science in the Philippines. By certifying and empowering veterinary specialists, promoting high standards of animal care, advocating for ethical research policies, and fostering international collaboration, PCLAM ensures that laboratory animal medicine continues to evolve responsibly—supporting both scientific advancement and compassionate stewardship.

PCLAM Officers and Board of Trustees (2024 to 2026)