May 14, 2022
The DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team visited JLM Farm in Balili, Mankayan and Hightitude Farm in Madaymen, Kibungan in the province of Benguet on May 11, 2022. These farms are assisted by the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) through provision of Automated Drip Irrigation Technology and Hydroponics, respectively.
During the visit, USec. SAM suggested to come up with a possible project on how to support and upgrade the vegetable industry of Benguet which is the major economic population of the province. He also suggested the possibility of coming-up with a program or a center on how DOST could provide technical assistance on-site and have on-time solutions/recommendations that cater to the need of the farmers.
Meanwhile, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara and her team visited the NICER projects in the Cordillera, namely: R&D Program Boondock: A Mountain Engineering Center Towards Sustainable Infrastructure and Upland Water Technology in the University of Cordilleras and the Potato R&D Center in Benguet State University that has 3 major projects, namely : (1) Development of Insect Pests and Disease Management of Quality Seed Production, (2) Enhancing the Micropropagation System of Potato Application of Improved Cultivation System, and (3) Storage Technique for Seed Potato Production on May 13-14, 2022.
For the project Boondock, USec. Guevara encouraged the University of Cordilleras to recruit S&T talents from the DOST’s Balik Scientist and RD Lead program to complement the project. She also suggested to consider the landslide issue at Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet and establishment of Forensic Innovation Hub in the Cordillera. Moreover, Usec. Guevara acknowledged the Potato R&D Center's potential to become Niche Center for Science and Technology (NICEST) and encouraged the Benguet State University to disseminate these matured researches and engage more farmers to become beneficiaries of the center.
Rest assured that the DOST-CAR will work hand in hand with its stakeholders to ensure that these suggestions will be executed. //MLFerrer
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog during their visit to JLM Farm in Balili, Mankayan.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang and his team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog during their visit to Hightitude Farm in Madaymen, Kibungan.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara and her team together with DOST-CAR headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog and University of Cordillera President Nancy Flores pose for a photo during her visit to Program Boondock.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara together with DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog and BSU-Northern Philippines Root Crops Research & Training Center (NPRCRTC) staff pose for a photo during her visit to Potato R&D Center in Benguet State University.
