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Toxic elements determination in Milkfish enhanced through Proficiency Testing Scheme
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Toxic elements determination in Milkfish enhanced through Proficiency Testing Scheme

Sample preparation. (Image credit: DOST-ITDI)

To safeguard food safety and protect consumers, chemical laboratories are testing milkfish products using validated methods. The accuracy and reliability of these testing methods are assessed through participation in Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes to help laboratories ensure accurate measurements.

The project, "Capability Enhancement of Local Laboratories in the Determination of Inorganic Toxic Elements in Aquacultured Milkfish through Proficiency Testing Scheme," has developed, validated, and verified methods for detecting toxic elements such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium in milkfish. These elements are among the most common contaminants in marine aquaculture, posing significant risks to food safety and the environment. The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

Milkfish samples collected from various locations in Laguna Lake were tested using validated methods. Results showed minimal levels of toxic elements, ensuring the safety of the samples. Additionally, a method for preparing milkfish reference material involving isolating of muscle tissue, lyophilization or freeze-drying, defatting, grinding, and sieving to produce a reliable reference material for testing, was developed.

The National Metrology Laboratory (NML) of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of DOST, which serves as a PT provider in the Philippines, organized an accuracy-based PT scheme for toxic elements in milkfish. 

Produced reference materials. (Image credit: DOST-ITDI)

A total of 26 local testing laboratories took part in the PT scheme, with 23 submitting their results. Results showed acceptable Z’-score performances of 42% of the 12 participants for total arsenic, 62% of the 21 participants for cadmium, 64% of the 14 participants for total mercury, and 82% of the 22 participants for lead.

The Z’-score is the statistical analysis used to assess the accuracy of a laboratory’s test results. It measures how far the laboratory's result deviates from the accepted or true value, expressed in standard deviation units.  

The results of the PT scheme revealed varying levels of analytical accuracy among participating laboratories, emphasizing the need for improvement in some local testing capabilities. The following table shows the z’-score performances of participants on heavy metal analysis in milkfish:

Analyte

Total Participants

"Acceptable" z'-score

"Warning Signal" z'-score

"Unacceptable" z'-score

Total Arsenic

12

42%

17%

42%

Cadmium

21

62%

24%

14%

Total Mercury

14

64%

21%

14%

Lead 

22

82%

0%

18%

Production of reference materials. (Image credit: DOST-ITDI)

The project aligns with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2016-08, which mandates adherence to water quality guidelines and general effluent standards. The order specifies the monitoring of physical, chemical, biological, and radiological parameters in water bodies across the country. Testing laboratories must demonstrate their competence in detecting toxic elements to comply with these standards and ensure public safety.

By providing locally developed PT materials and schemes, the project aimed to raise awareness among laboratories about the importance of accuracy and reliability in their analytical tests. Using PT schemes improves laboratories’ confidence in their results. This contributes to the safety of public consumers, the preservation of environmental health, and the prevention of economic losses for food producers

DOST-PCAARRD hosts workshop on climate change adaptation in tropical fruits
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DOST-PCAARRD hosts workshop on climate change adaptation in tropical fruits

A workshop was recently conducted to collaboratively develop a framework for climate change adaptation in important Philippine fruit crops: banana, pineapple, and mango. 

Group photo of experts and specialists during the workshop, “Developing the framework for climate change adaptation in selected Philippine fruit crops.” (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Titled, “Developing the framework for climate change adaptation in selected Philippine fruit crops,” the workshop was hosted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD). 

This initiative is under the international collaborative project, “Addressing climate change impacts on tropical fruit production and strategies of adaptation and mitigation (DFNet III),” which aims to discuss and identify mitigation strategies to address the impact of climate change on the fruit industry smallholders. The project is spearheaded by the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) for the Asian and Pacific Region. 

For the Philippine leg of the workshop, three priority fruit crops considered to be high value crops and top export products were pre-identified: banana, pineapple, and mango.

The workshop included the identification of climate risks and impacts in the production of the priority fruit crops as well as the documentation of available climate adaptation practices to mitigate the identified risks and impacts. The framework matrix developed by the Philippine team will be consolidated, packaged, and presented to the FFTC and other DFNet III core group member countries.

Briefing on the development of the framework matrix (left) and break-out sessions where participants were grouped according to priority fruit crops: banana, pineapple, and mango (right). (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)

About 25 professors, specialists, and experts on climate change and tropical fruits  from DOST-PCAARRD’s Crop Research Division (CRD) and Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD),  Institute of Crop Science (ICRopS) and Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) under the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM), Department of Agriculture - Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (DA-PCAF), and Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (DA-CRAO). 

In the DFNet III project, the core group members from the Philippines are Dr. Bong Salazar,  UPLB-ICropS Assistant Professor and Mr. John Benrich Zuniga, Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Climate Change of FERD, DOST-PCAARRD. Other core group members are experts from Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. 

The workshop output of the Philippines will also be included in the crafting of a compendium,  which will highlight strategies, technologies, and best practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation in selected tropical fruit production for smallholder farmers. The DFNet III project is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

New project to combat citrus pests and diseases using biocontrol agents kicks off
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New project to combat citrus pests and diseases using biocontrol agents kicks off

Researchers from the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) will explore the use of biological control agents (BCAs) to sustainably manage the pests and diseases of satsuma, ponkan, calamansi, and pummelo. 

BCAs are naturally occurring organisms that can suppress pests and help reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Over the last five years, a high demand for citrus fruits has been observed in the domestic market. However, the citrus industry faces significant threats that affect fruit yield and quality such as pests like citrus rind borers (CRB) and fruit flies and diseases like brown rot, melanose, and scab.

Participants of the inception meeting of the recently launched project on citrus at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU). (Image Credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

To address these challenges, a new project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) titled “Evaluating the Efficacy of Biological Control Agents for Pest and Disease Management in Citrus Orchards” was recently launched through an inception meeting held at NVSU in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. This project is monitored by the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of DOST.

The project will harness the predatory efficacy of green lacewings and the biological control potential of black ladybird beetles to combat citrus aphids and mites. In addition, entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, will be further validated for their effectiveness against citrus diseases, including greasy spot, melanose, canker, and scab.

From left to right: citrus rind borer, fruit fly, and brown rot infection on satsuma. (Image Credit: NVSU)

Project Leader Jonar I. Yago emphasized the importance of the initiative since conventional methods, such as chemical pesticides, pose risks not only to the environment but also to farmers and consumers alike. He also highlighted the need for sustainable pest management strategies in Nueva Vizcaya, which is known for its high quality satsuma varieties.

The inception meeting outlined the roles and responsibilities among partner agencies and covered the DOST-Grants-In-Aid (GIA) guidelines and the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes for a smooth implementation of the project. 

DOST-PCAARRD representatives during the laboratory visit at NVSU. (Image Credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Present in the meeting were key representatives from NVSU, headed by University President Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., and DOST’s Special Projects Division (SPD). The meeting was led by Crops Research Division (CRD) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Citrus Joel Norman R. Panganiban, with support from the Office of the Executive Director for Research and Development (OED-RD) and CRD staff.

The CRD team also visited the NVSU laboratories, which will play a pivotal role in supporting the project's activities.

RSU researchers to tailor fertilizer treatment for Romblon's intercropped coconut farms
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RSU researchers to tailor fertilizer treatment for Romblon's intercropped coconut farms

Romblon is awaiting a localized fertilizer treatment for farmers interested in growing hybrid coconuts in an intercropped setting. This technology will be developed by Romblon State University (RSU) to boost productivity and increase yields in the coconut-growing province.

Representative from DOST-PCAARRD visits coconut hybrids experiment site at  Romblon State University (RSU)-Agpudlos Campus. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

The RSU project, “Agronomic Performance of a Hybrid Coconut Variety as Influenced by Various Fertilizer Treatments in an Intercropped Farming System under Romblon Agro-climatic Conditions,” officially commenced through an inception meeting organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held in Odiongan, Romblon. 

The initiative aims to develop recommendations for using various fertilizer treatments for the PCA 15-2 variety in an intercropped farming system under Romblon’s agro-climatic conditions. PCA 15-2 is a hybrid between the Malayan Red Dwarf and Tagnanan Tall varieties.

Funded by DOST-PCAARRD through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan’s (CFIDP) Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research, the project is being implemented under the leadership of Dr. Marjail I. Ferriol of the Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Science of RSU.

The project intends to contribute to the competitive coconut industry in Luzon by encouraging more farmers to replace old and unproductive palms with coconut hybrids and use recommended fertilizers in their farms to yield more nuts.

Eddie G. Fetalvero, RSU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation, expressed that the hybridization program is a critical step towards attaining the university’s vision of making Romblon a leader in coconut research. He also assured DOST-PCAARRD that the university is fully committed to the success of this project, relaying the President’s message that “their currency is trust”—a vital part of their partnership with the Council. 

DOST-PCAARRD and RSU representatives during the inception meeting at the Romblon State University-Main Campus Odiongan, Romblon. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)

In response, DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division (CRD) Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra guaranteed that the RSU team has the Council’s full support as they look forward to the initiative’s positive impact on strengthening the local coconut industry and enhancing the livelihoods of coconut farmers in Romblon.

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Romblon Division Chief Antipas C. Naorbe also expressed his commitment to supporting the endeavors of this project.

RSU Vice President for Finance Tomas T. Faminial also attended the onsite activity. At the same time, representatives from PCA Research Centers and Project Management Office (PMO), Mr. Jessiemar D. Cabasag, Mr. Willy S. Mercullo, and Mr. Roy Benedict P. Peralta joined the event via videoconferencing.

The said activity was led by Ms. Ibarra, with support from CRD and Finance and Administrative Division (FAD)-Accounting representatives.

The DOST-PCAARRD team also paid a courtesy visit to RSU President Merian P. Catajay-Mani prior to the meeting and the project site visit in Agpudlos, Romblon.

DOST-PCAARRD and TISTR establish agricultural collaboration towards AANR research and development advancement
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DOST-PCAARRD and TISTR establish agricultural collaboration towards AANR research and development advancement

A bilateral cooperation between Thailand and the Philippines was formalized during a Scientific Visit and Working Group Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Bangkok, Thailand on January 21, 2025. 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) is set to boost scientific collaboration that will strengthen innovation, knowledge-sharing, and technological advancements in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.

The Delegation from the Department of Science and Technology, Philippines and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand during the Signing Ceremony between DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR). (Image credit: International Technology Cooperation Unit)

The MOU provides the collaborative framework between DOST-PCAARRD and TISTR in advancing AANR research and development (R&D). They will work together in key areas of innovation including organic fertilizer production, tissue culture and varietal improvement, plant pest management, and post-harvest technologies. Both countries will benefit through enhanced expertise, resource-sharing, and collaborative solutions.

DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora and TISTR Governor Weerachai Arjharn served as signatories to the agreement, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia, and Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

The two institutions have agreed on multiple modes of cooperation, such as joint R&D projects, exchange of scientists, experts, researchers, and DOST-PCAARRD technical staff for studies, observations, and training, exchange of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, scientific publications, and other academic resources, organization of joint meetings, conferences, symposia, and workshops, and other mutually agreed-upon activities.

By reinforcing cooperation in STI, the MOU reflects the shared commitment of the Philippines and Thailand to sustainable development, agricultural resilience, and food security in the region.