The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) Director, Engr. Dennis H. Palabrica, Development and Science Research Specialist Meynard P. Abello, together with other researchers and staff of the PRRI, visited the University of Southern Mindanao on October 26, 2021 for a meeting with VPRDE Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, RDO Director Dr. Ma. Teodora N. Cabasan, CA Dean Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele, Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia and Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian for the upcoming signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University and the PRRI on the implementation of the project “Effective Rubber-based Cropping System in North Cotabato”, one of the components of the program “Land Management of Diverse Rubber-based Systems in Southern Philippines”.
Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele (Dean of the College of Agriculture), Dr. Maria Teodora N. Cabasan (Director for Research and Development Office), Dr. Edward E. Barlaan (Vice President for Research, Development and Extension), Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia (Project Leader, “Effective Rubber-based Cropping System in North Cotabato” project), Dr. Meynard Abello (Science Research Specialist), and Dr. Dennis H. Palabrica (Director, Philippine Rubber Research Institute) discuss the important agenda of the project on October 26, 2021 at the USM-GIS Building.
The program aims to develop a cost-effective rubber-based cropping system, identify key soil constraints and improve soil nutrient management in uplands of Southern Philippines in order to boost household incomes for indigenous smallhold farmers. Specifically, this program aims to develop an effective market-oriented rubber-based cropping system for uplands to increase agricultural productivity, resilience and crop diversification; to characterize the key soil constraints and identify most suitable land for establishing rubber-based cropping systems for long term sustainability under a changing climate; and to provide robust nutrient diagnostic tools, affordable and effective chemical and organic fertilizers for rubber and companion crops.
Dr. Edward A. Barlaan (Vice President for Research, Development and Extension), Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian (Faculty Researcher), Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia (Project Leader, “Effective Rubber-based Cropping System in North Cotabato” project), and Dr. Dennis H. Palabrica (PRRI Director) pose during their meeting on October 26, 2021.
The details of the project and several other rubber-based systems to be implemented in the PRRI station were also discussed during the meeting. The team also toured the USMARC-ACIAR Experimental Area located at University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC). (PM Baure)
Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia (Project Leader, “Effective Rubber-based Cropping System in North Cotabato” project), Prof. Joseph O. Castillo (Chairperson, Department of Crop Protection), Dr. Meynard Abello (Science Research Specialist), and Dr. Dennis H. Palabrica (PRRI Director) and staff inspect one of the research areas.
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