Key personnel from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) visited two rubber project sites in Isabela and Quezon recently.
Dr. Marcelino U. Siladan, ISP Manager for Rubber, and Gretchen O. Nas, Rubber Commodity Specialist, conducted a field monitoring visit in Echague, Isabela and Tiaong, Quezon to evaluate the status and progress of the project. They also coordinated with the project team to ensure that its implementation is running smoothly.
The project titled, “Technology Adaptation and Performance Trial of Recommended Rubber and Other Promising Rubber Clones in the Philippines” is part of the program, “Nationwide Clonal Adaptation and Performance Trial of Recommended Rubber and Other Promising Rubber Clones in the Philippines.” It is being implemented by the University of Southern Mindanao, 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 covers Regions 2, 4-A, 4-B, 9, 10, and 12. By the end of its implementation, it is expected to identify and recommend additional high-yielding clones for NSIC certification suitable to sites and environmental conditions in the Philippines and develop precision grafting technology and propagation techniques of these clones for rapid propagation through innovative techniques.
The program team will also innovate root trainer technique in producing quality planting materials to hasten maturity period under nursery conditions; 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.