Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Acting Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resource Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), keynoted the ZamPen Native Chicken Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
Held at the Social Hall of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), the two-day event (July 10-11), was spearheaded by the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC).
Among the attendees during the opening program were Congressman Manuel Jose Dalipe of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City; Dr. Milabel E. Ho, WMSU President and Regional Research and Development Coordinating Committee (RRDCC) Chair; Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, Vice President for Resource Generation and WESMAARRDEC Consortium Director; and Dr. Brenda Nazareth Manzano, Undersecretary for Regional Operations, DOST.
The guests also included representatives of the two regional consortia: Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) and Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Program (VICAARRP), as well as WESMARRDEC’s member-agencies.
Ebora explained the importance of FIESTA, as a DOST-PCAARRD technology dissemination platform and praised WESMAARRDEC in vigorously pushing the promotion of ZamPen Native Chicken through the said event.
The potential of ZamPen native chicken in providing sustainable livelihood to rural communities in Zamboanga Peninsula is seen in the results of the project, Evaluation of the Sustainability and Profitability of ZamPen Native Chicken Production as a Source of Livelihood in Rural Communities.
The said project is a joint undertaking of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF).
Under the project, 30 qualified inmates in the minimum security were trained and employed in the farm. These inmates are scheduled to be released within two years.
Finally, Ebora affirmed DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment to continue its support on programs and projects on the Council’s focused commodities with its partners, especially the SUCs and the LGUs.
“With your help, DOST- PCAARRD will continue to develop and promote the adoption of science-based know how and tools that will enable the agricultural sector to raise its productivity and alleviate poverty, especially in the countryside,” Ebora said.