Dr. Agapita Jandayan-Salces, a holder of a Doctorate degree in Animal Science from the University of the Philippines is the only Geneticist in the Department of Agriculture, a nationwide distinction that makes Bohol proud. She was born in Cogtong, Candijay, Bohol on November 9, 1964. Dr. Agapita Salces is married to Dr. Caro B. Salces, the Director of the Philippine Carabao Center, Ubay Stock Farm in Bohol.

Gigi studied at the Cogtong Elementary School and went to the Girls High School, University of San Carlos. Passing the entrance exam, she enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1985. Eager to be a wage earner, to augment the family income, she applied for the position of Science Research Specialist at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), United Nations Development Program (UNDP)/Food and Authority Organization (FAO) and was readily accepted. She stayed for 8 years and was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Region VII, as Agriculture Technologist (1988-1991) and became Senior Agriculturist in 1999. She took up Master of Science in Animal Science at UP-Los Baños, which she finished in 1992 and earned her Doctorate degree in Animal Science in 2008.

Dr. Salces was picked from among many scientists with big potentials, to go to South Korea for post-doctorate studies in Animal Breeding, at the Animal Genetics and Evaluation Division, Natural Livestock Research Institute in 2006. With Dr. Salces’ professional advancements and awards, she has reaped laurels for her papers, treatises, and performances. Dr. Gigi Salces finds time for community involvement, through the Galilea Center for Education and Development. She handles Pre-Cana Seminars, and is a member of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church Construction Commission in Ubay. As the only Geneticist in the Department of Agriculture, Region VII her importance in the march to progress cannot be underestimated.