The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol, in collaboration with Dauis Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), launched the root crops botanical garden on December 11, 2023. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the LGU's endeavor to boost root crop agro-ecotourism in the area. Launching the botanical garden is an important move towards promoting agro-ecotourism centered around root crops.
The botanical garden is one of the accomplishments of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department is Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded project, “Development of an S&T-based, gender-responsive, and crisis-resilient root and tuber crops value chain through a Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA).”
Dr. Lorna E. Sister from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) led the PMCA project. During the event launch, she presented the project’s accomplishments and plans, and pointed out that gender inclusion in ‘ubi’ production is necessary in maximizing women’s economic impact.
PMCA project has formed strong linkages with LGU Dauis, particularly with the municipality's tourism and agriculture offices, fostering an inclusive and gender-responsive value chain for root crops. The botanical garden is envisioned to be the first among a series of privately owned root crops botanical gardens around the province. It serves as one effective way of supporting local tourism and agriculture stakeholdership in the municipality.
Dauis Municipal Mayor Roman B. Bullen expressed his wholehearted support and commitment to the project's initiative. He underscored the significance of enhancing not only the contribution of root crops to agro-ecotourism in the province but also their positive impacts on the welfare and food security of Dauis citizens.
Mayor Bullen emphasized that "ubi cultivation is diminishing and scientific strategies are one way to maintain and help the industry flourish." In his encouraging remarks, he conveyed a unifying message to root crops farmers and processors, emphasizing their crucial roles in preventing food crises in communities.
DOST-PCAARRD's Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit (GADSPU) Head Annette M. Tobias delivered a message on behalf of Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora. She highlighted the Council's support in developing science and technology (S&T)-based strategies and mechanisms that yield positive impacts to women and men stakeholders in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, including the root crops communities in Dauis.
Several council members of the Municipality of Dauis attended the event launch, including Vice Mayor Miriam T. Sumaylo and MAO Chairperson Arlien F. Estano. Both officials supported the root crops botanical garden and the PMCA project.
Dr. Lorna E. Sister, project leader of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, “Development of an S&T-based, gender-responsive, and crisis-resilient root and tuber crops value chain through a Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA),” presents the plans and benefits of the root crops botanical gardens for the municipality, farmers, and processors. (Image credit: Jo-Jee T. Ocampo)