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[av_heading heading=’ URBAN FARMER ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Friday. September 22, 2017
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FESTIVITIES opened the 30th founding anniversary of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) in Bajada, Davao City.
Mirroring the traditional rural celebration after a successful rice harvest, SMAARRDEC highlighted the festivities with the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
Called “FIESTA sa Dabaw,” it featured major programs and technologies generated for significant regional commodities such as coconut, banana, mango, and sea cucumber.
FIESTA is a collaboration of SMAARRDEC and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST).
Conceptualized by PCAARRD, FIESTA aims to show the complete sphere of research and development as it treats with equal importance the whole agricultural value chain from production to processing to technology mainstreaming.
Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, chairperson of SMAARRDEC Regional Research and Development Coordination Committee (RRDCC) and president of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), acknowledged “the successful contributions of the consortium to the remarkable growth of industries in Davao region.”
Generalao mentioned the significant efforts to help manage the banana Fusarium wilt disease, which has plagued the banana industry since 2012, not only in the region but as well as in other banana growing regions.
She mentioned the identification and promotion of two resistant varieties, along with the development of protocols to manage Fusarium wilt.
Through the decades, SMAARRDEC has actively participated in addressing pressing problems in the region.
Among the major efforts are the rehabilitation programs after the devastation of typhoon “Pablo” and the Coconut Scale Insect infestation.
SMAARRDEC’s accomplishments were adequately acknowledged by Dr. Danilo C. Cardenas, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services of PCAARRD in his message during the opening program.
Cardenas commended the decades-long contribution of the Consortium in regional development.
He also thanked SMAARRDEC for the close partnership between the two institutions in pursuing relevant R&D in Southern Mindanao.
Cardenas likewise acknowledged the successful conduct and implementation of FIESTA sa Dabaw. “FIESTA ensures that more people in the different provinces of Davao Region will get to see and benefit from the S&T products and innovations generated by SMAARRDEC.
It also showcases the efforts and contribution of the consortium to regional development.
FIESTA is an innovative technology transfer modality espoused and supported by PCAARRD to provide an effective avenue for technology generators, agri-aqua producers, and the industries to meet and collaborate on profitable business ventures.
Through FIESTA, PCAARRD and its partners gather the various players of agricultural R&D, primarily the technology generators, farmers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises to showcase regional agricultural, aquatic and natural resources technologies, innovations, products, and services; assist in the diffusion of technologies for better farming opportunities; and provide a true encounter of various research and development beneficiaries to maximize the benefits of particular products and commodities.
Cardenas committed more funds for future FIESTAs across the country.
With more resources, the different consortia in the country can reach out to more people through the FIESTA. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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