Los Baños, Laguna – The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) facilitated a writeshop for its ongoing Rubber program titled, “Nationwide Clonal Adaptation Trial and Innovation of Propagation Techniques of Newly Introduced High-yielding and Promising Rubber Clones” at DOST-PCAARRD Headquarters recently.
The writeshop was conducted to standardize the methodologies of the Program’s project components, identify the appropriate statistical design and analysis to be employed by the projects, review initial program results, give necessary recommendations, and layout plans for the Program’s extension and possibly, Phase 2 proposal.
Dr. Marcelino U. Siladan, Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Rubber and Gretchen O. Nas, former Commodity Specialist for Rubber, spearheaded the activity.
Dr. Romulo L. Cena of the University of Southern Mindanao leads the program in collaboration with experts from Isabela State University, Western Philippines University, Western Mindanao State University, Southern Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, and Department of Agriculture-RFO 9 Research Division.
The Program aims to identify and recommend high-yielding clones suitable to different sites and environmental conditions in the Philippines; develop precision grafting technology and propagation techniques of these clones for rapid propagation through innovative techniques; innovate root trainer techniques in producing quality planting materials to shorten immaturity period; develop information, education, and communication (IEC) materials for dissemination and promotion of the technologies; and conduct cost and return analysis to determine financial viability of the technologies.
Farmers, rubber stakeholders, nursery operators, researchers, and students from Regions 2, 4-A, 4-B, 9, 10, and 12 are the target beneficiaries of the Program.