The Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (BCAARRD), Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) tackled technologies on coconut, sweet potato, and Queen Pineapple (QP) during a plenary session held in connection with the BCAARD FIESTA. The BCAARD FIESTA adopted the theme, “Science and Technology for the People,” with the slogan “Kaalaman, kakaiba, kwenta, at kayang-kaya.” It featured exhibition and trade fair, plenary session on technologies and support system to agriprenuers during the first day and an agri-entrep day and technology pitching on the second day. The plenary session, which covered technologies and support system was held at the Farmers Bounty Village in Cabangan, Camalig, Albay, on March 8, 2019. It aims to present income generating activities that are expected to improve the livelihood of rural communities. The presenters were Philippine Coconut Authority OIC Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Branch, Ms. Erlene C. Manohar; Department of Agriculture- Albay Provincial Agricultural Office’s (DA-APAO) Engr. Percival N. de Villa; and Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) researcher and Leader in Innovation Fellow Ms. Michelle S. Carbonell. Manohar presented significant details about the National Coconut Program and its objectives. These include farm productivity, income generation, and competitiveness. Among the most significant initiatives undertaken under the program is the replacement of old senile trees, which is currently addressed under the coconut hybridization program. Meanwhile, De Villa discussed...
Read More