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Programs and Projects
Where do we standnow?
Approved CHP Research Projects by Technology Chain
Where are we?
The map pins the location of the Implementing and Cooperating Agencies of the approved projects of CHP.
Know the latest updates
from CHP Research programs and projects
ProjectOutputs
FACILITATOR’S GUIDE ON CLIMATE RESILIENT AND REGENERATIVE-COCONUT-BASED FARMING SYSTEMS (CRR-CBFS)
This facilitator’s guide is a compendium of three training modules on climate resilience through diversification of livelihoods, the use of regenerative coconut-based farming systems technologies and approaches, and business decision-making. This provides facilitators with flexibility in designing context-based materials, exercises, or Participatory Technology Demonstrations (PTD) that respond to the local agricultural landscapes, climate patterns, hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities.
Developed under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Dara Maria F. Realin of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, this output contributes to building more sustainable and resilient coconut-based farming communities.
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International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs):
- 978-971-547-389-7 (PDF, read-only)
- 978-971-547-390-3 (PDF, downloadable)
BENEFICIALS AND BIOCONTROL LABORATORY (B2L) UPGRADE
The Beneficials and Biocontrol Laboratory (B2L) at Visayas State University (VSU) was upgraded into a central mass production, characterization, and evaluation facility for biological control agents, supporting sustainable pest management for coconut hybrids and intercrops in Eastern Visayas.
Under the supervision of Dr. Justine Bennette H. Millado, the laboratory is now equipped with improved facilities and equipment that expand its capacity for testing, production, and maintenance of agents against major pests such as the Asiatic Palm Weevil (APW). It also strengthens VSU’s ability to extend technical assistance to government agencies, state universities and colleges, project collaborators, including the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and DA–RCPC VIII, students and researchers seeking to utilize its services.
ResearcherSpotlight
Ms. Erna S. Macusi
Assoc. Prof. Erna S. Macusi is a dedicated researcher in environmental sustainability and community development. She leads a DOST-PCAARRD-funded project on enhancing coconut productivity in Davao Oriental.
Over the years, she has received multiple honors, including the 2023 Outstanding Panaboan Award, the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) Region X Pineapple Chapter Award of Recognition, and a Top 8 ranking in the 2022 Licensure Examination for Agriculturists. She is also a scholar of the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or the German Academic Exchange Service, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Bonn, Germany.
Ms. Johana C. Orense
Ms. Johana C. Orense is currently the Acting Department Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority - Davao Research Center (PCA-DRC). She is one of the entomology experts in the Philippines, authoring award-winning papers and leading impactful research on controlling and managing coconut insect pests.
Currently, Ms. Orense leads a DOST-PCAARRD-funded project through CHP Research on surveillance and detection of the pervasive coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) genotypes and their natural enemies in the country's hybrid and local coconut variety farms.
Mr. Gerardo B. Baylon
Mr. Gerardo B. Baylon is the Division Chief III of the Plant Genetic Resources, Conservation, and Utilization Division(PGRCUD) of the Philippine Coconut Authority - Zamboanga Research Center (PCA-ZRC). He has dedicated most of his career as a researcher to coconut, specializing in coconut breeding and genetics, horticulture/plant physiology, coconut farm management, and coconut oil mill operation and oil chemistry.
Presently, Mr. Baylon leads two projects funded by DOST-PCAARRD through the CHP Research. His projects include (1) developing multi-parent coconut populations using dwarf and composite varieties for increased oil and nut yield and enhancing tolerance/resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and (2) collecting and conserving the country’s coconut genetic resources from the geographically remote areas using embryo culture protocol.
Dr. Justine Bennette H. Millado
Dr. Millado is a faculty at the Department of Pest Management (DPM), College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), Visayas State University (VSU).
Dr. Millado has led several programs and projects at a young age. Presently, she leads two projects funded by the DOST-PCAARRD through the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research. Her R&D project seeks to enhance and sustain the management of Asiatic Palm Weevil (APW) and other important pests of coconut with biological and biorational control agents in Eastern Visayas. Meanwhile, one of her projects, near its completion, will upgrade a central mass production, characterization, and evaluation of the laboratory to support the sustainable pest management of coconut hybrids in Eastern Visayas.
Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi
Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi is a Professor VI and the Director of the Crop Science Research and Development Center at Capiz State University (CapSU). She has received recognition for her several papers on coconut over the years.
Currently, she leads a newly launched program that aims to utilize the different germplasm collection in the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) of CapSU for the advancement of coconut hybridization in Western Visayas. This program is funded by DOST-PCAARRD through the CHP Research.
Ms. Dara Maria F. Realin
Assistant Professor Dara Maria F. Realin is an accomplished academic and researcher, specializing in horticulture and agronomy. Her expertise in crop production management, particularly in banana cultivation and coconut-based farming systems, is recognized through her leadership roles in multiple projects supported by DOST-PCAARRD.
Recently, Assistant Professor Realin led a project funded under CHP Research, which aimed to enhance the capacity of farmers and other stakeholders across top-producing and typhoon-prone areas in designing a location-specific regenerative CBFS through a series of trainings, seminars, and workshops.
