The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently conducted a pre-terminal review of the project, “Field Verification Testing of Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) for Enhanced Growth and Induced Pest and Disease Resistance in Rice and Corn.” The activity aimed to evaluate field trials results in the seven collaborating regions of the project as it nears completion.
Held at C.B. Perez Room, PCAARRD, the review was attended by key officials and researchers from the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC)-University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the lead implementing agency; monitoring and evaluation (M&E) team of DOST-PCAARRD headed by the Crops Research Division (CRD); and regional project coordinators, staff, and accounting representatives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 6, 9, and 11; and DOST Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 6, 9, and 11.
The Carrageenan PGP for rice and corn is a collaborative technology project of DA, DOST, and DOST-PCAARRD.
Maria Adelia C. Belen of DOST-PCAARRD welcomed the participants and mentioned its timeliness in celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month. She also stressed how the project is expected to help the rice farmers in the country amidst the current rice industry situation. She likewise reiterated her appreciation to the entire project team for a well-represented attendance in the review.
Dr. Gil L. Magsino, Director and Project Leader from NCPC-UPLB, presented the consolidated report of the seven regional agencies involved in the project. He reported a 25% increase in rice yield in 2018 Wet Season in Region 6 and a 34% increase in rice yield in 2019 Dry Season in Region 9.
Engr. Mahmud L. Kingking, project coordinator of Region 9 added that the result of the trial in his region was remarkable as most of the rice farms showed promising result in terms of plant vigor and yield. He also mentioned that the increase in yield and Carrageenan PGP’s efficacy as perceived by the farmers are both well documented.
Dr. Emelyn P. Flores, Project Coordinator of Region 6, lauded the efficient collaboration of DA and DOST agencies that resulted in the smooth implementation of the project in the region.
Dr. Magsino cited that the consolidated report will be used to further understand the differential performance of Carrageenan PGP in different locations in the country. It was also agreed that the terminal review of the project will be done as soon as the technical reports are completed.
The activity led to the expression of support and commitment from the involved agencies to fill the gaps in the necessary technical and financial reports. It also served as a venue to finalize data and results that demonstrate the efficacy of the technology in improving the lives of the Filipino rice farmers.