In line with its initiative to promote R&D efforts and accomplishments, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD) and its base agency – the Central Mindanao University (CMU), participated in the 2023 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) Amihanang Mindanao held in Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City. The RSTW was themed, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan.”
TazSCure: One of biopesticides featured during the DOST Region X RSTW in the NOMCAARRD exhibit booth (Image and caption credit: Erwin Cris D. Valencia)
Products and technologies from DOST-PCAARRD-funded projects on biopesticides, such as Spirulina biomass, TaZSCure, and SIPBIO were featured through exhibit displays, which aim to contribute to the development of agricultural industries in the region.
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) biomass is a small-scale production technology utilizing low-cost and locally-available medium with refined culture conditions available in Northern Mindanao. The medium uses NPK 30-10-10 fertilizer as the main nutrient source with optimum levels determined and refined.
TazSCure, a natural fungicide from Tasmannia piperita, which is effective against Alternaria brassicae (a fungus that causeslettuce leaf spot) and Phytophtora infestans (a fungus that causes tomato late blight), was also featured in the exhibit.
SIPBIO, a technology which targets to screen indigenous plants to develop biopesticide formulations for vegetables and sugarcane insect pests and diseases, was also highlighted. Plant extracts with significant biopesticide results against insects, bacteria, and fungi were processed into prototype products, in the form of a spray mixture using plant oil and emulsifiers or in powder form.
These products and technologies will give farmers cheaper options to keep pests at bay while increasing farm productivity.
DOST Regional Operations Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the 2023 DOST Region X RSTW held at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City. He was joined by DOST X Regional Director Romellan N. Ratilla, and representatives from the local government tunit (Image and caption credit: Erwin Cris D. Valencia)
Other displays such as tilanggit, Lumad coffee, peanut and adlay products, milkfish products, giant bamboo, and fermented fruit juice fertilizer were also displayed in the NOMCAARRD exhibit booth.
The Region-X RSTW was formally opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony by DOST Regional Operations Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, together with DOST-X Regional Director Romellan N. Ratilla, and representatives from the local government unit.
The RSTW held in Iligan City was organized by DOST Region X, in collaboration with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and MSU-IIT. It was participated by the national and regional offices and agencies of DOST, state universities and colleges within the region, private sector, local government, and media partners.