DOST-PCAARRD, VSU, ViCARP, and CMIs officials and staff. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) visited the Visayas State University (VSU) to celebrate the inauguration of upgraded research facilities and the turnover of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment. The initiative highlights the collaborative efforts to enhance research and development (R&D) in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
The event was attended by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes, VSU Vice President for Research Extension and Innovation Santiago T. Peña, Jr., along with DOST-PCAARRD key officials namely, Institution Development Division (IDD) Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina, Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD) Director Nimfa K. Torreta, Livestock Research Division (LRD) Senior Science Research Specialist Ronilo O. De Castro, Management Information Systems Division (MISD) Information Systems Analyst II Rick Adrian A. Mulimbayan, and other staff.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora delivering his keynote speech. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
The facilities inaugurated include the upgraded Horticulture Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory led by Dr. Catherine Arradaza. The facility enables the micropropagation of different bamboo species and supports research and income-generating activities through the commercialization of tissue culture-derived planting materials. It is set to significantly advance research in bamboo horticulture and provide high-quality bamboo planting materials to farmers and stakeholders. This undertaking is one of several efforts in bamboo micropropagation supported by the Council, through FERD.
Renovated plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture for bamboo micropropagation. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
Another facility inaugurated was the DOST-PCAARRD-VSU SemenLAB: Semen Laboratory Applications and Biotechnology, headed by Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr. This facility is expected to enhance the research capability of VSU and provide laboratory services for the swine industry on semen quality evaluation and cryopreservation, which is vital in improving livestock productivity and production efficiency, and genetic conservation initiatives.
In addition, the SemenLAB will also serve as a training facility for advanced education programs in reproductive physiology and animal breeding. DOST-PCAARRD, through LRD, is actively promoting and encouraging the swine industry to tap the services of the laboratory.
The VSU SemenLAB - dedicated for semen quality evaluation and cryopreservation. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
Moreover, through acquisition and deployment, ICT equipment were turned over to the Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) of the project, “Enhancement of Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP) and its CMIs’ internet connectivity,” being led by Engr. Sean O. Villagonzalo.
The collaborating CMIs include the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Samar State University (SSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), VSU, and DOST Region 8.
This project expects to improve project management and collaboration across various research initiatives in the region. The upgraded ICT infrastructure will facilitate better coordination and monitoring of DOST- and DOST-PCAARRD-funded projects, thereby enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.
Turnover of the ICT equipment to ViCARP and its CMIs. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
The soft launching of the Beneficials and Biocontrol Laboratory or B2L (pronounced as ‘beetle’) was also done. This laboratory was built under the project, “Upgrading of a Mass Production Facility for Biological Control Agents to Support Sustainable Pest Management of Coconut and Intercrops in Eastern Visayas,” led by Dr. Justine Bennette H. Millado.
The laboratory supports sustainable pest management of coconut hybrids and intercrops by providing the necessary facility for rearing, testing, mass production, and molecular analysis of biological control agents against coconut insect pests. The upgraded facility will significantly enhance the region's capacity to effectively manage agricultural pests.
The Abaca Pest Laboratrory to be upgraded. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
Two ongoing projects under the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research component of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) were also visited by the team. The project, “Evaluation and Development of Biological and Biorational Control Agents for Sustainable Management of APW and other Important Pests Affecting Hybrid Coconuts in Eastern Visayas,” focuses on enhancing and sustaining the management of Asiatic palm weevil (APW) and other important pests of coconut with biological and biorational control agents in Eastern Visayas. Likewise, the second project, “Development and Evaluation of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Strategies For Hybrid Coconut Farming in Eastern Visayas,” aims to develop a holistic and effective fertilization program for hybrid coconut production in Eastern Visayas.
The upgraded Beneficials and Biocontrol Laboratory (B2L) to support sustainable pest management of coconut hybrids and intercrops. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)
The abaca pest laboratory to be upgraded was also visited. This laboratory would greatly contribute in identifying pests infecting abaca and provide strategies in managing them.
Dr. Ebora emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in his keynote speech, highlighting the role of these upgraded facilities in advancing scientific research and technological development in the AANR sector. This event underscores DOST-PCAARRD and VSU's commitment to leveraging scientific advancements to address challenges in the AANR sector, contributing to national food security and economic growth.
Dr. Ebora visits the nursery of one of CHP's projects. (Image credit: VSU, DOST-PCAARRD)