Romblon is awaiting a localized fertilizer treatment for farmers interested in growing hybrid coconuts in an intercropped setting. This technology will be developed by Romblon State University (RSU) to boost productivity and increase yields in the coconut-growing province.
The RSU project, “Agronomic Performance of a Hybrid Coconut Variety as Influenced by Various Fertilizer Treatments in an Intercropped Farming System under Romblon Agro-climatic Conditions,” officially commenced through an inception meeting organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held in Odiongan, Romblon.
The initiative aims to develop recommendations for using various fertilizer treatments for the PCA 15-2 variety in an intercropped farming system under Romblon’s agro-climatic conditions. PCA 15-2 is a hybrid between the Malayan Red Dwarf and Tagnanan Tall varieties.
Funded by DOST-PCAARRD through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan’s (CFIDP) Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research, the project is being implemented under the leadership of Dr. Marjail I. Ferriol of the Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Science of RSU.
The project intends to contribute to the competitive coconut industry in Luzon by encouraging more farmers to replace old and unproductive palms with coconut hybrids and use recommended fertilizers in their farms to yield more nuts.
Eddie G. Fetalvero, RSU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation, expressed that the hybridization program is a critical step towards attaining the university’s vision of making Romblon a leader in coconut research. He also assured DOST-PCAARRD that the university is fully committed to the success of this project, relaying the President’s message that “their currency is trust”—a vital part of their partnership with the Council.
In response, DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division (CRD) Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra guaranteed that the RSU team has the Council’s full support as they look forward to the initiative’s positive impact on strengthening the local coconut industry and enhancing the livelihoods of coconut farmers in Romblon.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Romblon Division Chief Antipas C. Naorbe also expressed his commitment to supporting the endeavors of this project.
RSU Vice President for Finance Tomas T. Faminial also attended the onsite activity. At the same time, representatives from PCA Research Centers and Project Management Office (PMO), Mr. Jessiemar D. Cabasag, Mr. Willy S. Mercullo, and Mr. Roy Benedict P. Peralta joined the event via videoconferencing.
The said activity was led by Ms. Ibarra, with support from CRD and Finance and Administrative Division (FAD)-Accounting representatives.
The DOST-PCAARRD team also paid a courtesy visit to RSU President Merian P. Catajay-Mani prior to the meeting and the project site visit in Agpudlos, Romblon.