A three-year project implemented by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) is set to enhance land use efficiency and overall productivity of coconut hybrid farms in Leon, Iloilo through an optimized intercropping system and fertilization rates.
The initiative, “Evaluation of the Growth Performance of Hybrid Coconut as Influenced by Fertilization Rates and Intercropping at Leon, Iloilo,” is funded through the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research under the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
According to Project Leader Eric James P. Talagon, many Iloilo coconut farmers continue to practice monocropping, avoid using fertilizers, and lack knowledge on hybrid production—all potentially contributing to low coconut yield and income.
To address these gaps, the project will investigate the effects of short-term and forage crop integration, where vegetable and leguminous crops will be used as intercrops under coconut hybrid production. It will also evaluate different fertilization rates, based on the general recommendation of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The integrated coconut-based farming system to be developed will be promoted among the Leon coconut farmers through demonstration farms and training.
During the project's inception meeting, ISAT U President Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. and PCA Region VI Regional Manager Neil J. Melencion expressed their support to implement activities that will benefit coconut farmers in the province.
Meanwhile, the Crops Research Division’s (CRD) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team presented the project's M&E plan and the DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA) guidelines. They also outlined the roles of the implementing and cooperating agencies and provided clarifications to ensure smoother project implementation.
PCA Iloilo Representative Reinheart Kevin G. Villan, DOST Region VI Representative Hazel Lynn C. Maganto, Iloilo Provincial Office Representative Geron E. Magbanua, and Leon Municipal Agriculturist Ryan C. Caldito, also attended the meeting.
The activity was spearheaded by CRD’s Program M&E Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra.
The DOST-PCAARRD team also visited the project’s experimental area in Leon and paid a courtesy visit to ISAT U President Salistre, together with Vice President for Administration and Finance Russ Allen B. Napud, Research Services Division Director Hilario S. Taberna, Jr., and ISAT U Leon Campus Administrator Gilbert Stanly D. Baylosis.