Helping indigenous peoples (IPs) communities prepare for unpredictable extreme weather conditions, the Ata-Manobo tribe in Barangay Dagohoy and Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte participated in the Breadfruit Propagation Training last October 12.
The activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) through its Provincial of Science and Technology Center of Davao del Norte, the Local Government of Talaingod, and the Action for Skills Knowledge Education and Wellness (ASKEDWELL).
Dino M. Gulabane, the resource speaker from ASKEDWELL, highlighted the health benefits of breadfruit as a staple food and its potential marketability. An actual demonstration on planting the seedlings was also presented by Mr. Gulabane to the participants composed of 51 IPs from Brgy. Dagohoy and Brgy. Sto. Niño and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) of Talaingod.
Breadfruit or Kulo, as it is popularly called, begins to bear fruit in three to five years after planting and requires little attention. It can withstand drought and typhoons, hence considered a climate-rent tree. The fruit is an excellent alternative for carbohydrate staples of the Ata-Manobos like sweet potatoes, tubers, corn, and rice. Cooked Kulo, when eaten, not only quenches hunger but is also loaded with nutrients such as fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
The training aims to promote the propagation of breadfruit as a climate-resilient tree and an alternative nutritious food source. Fifty seedlings were successfully distributed in Brgy. Dagohoy and Brgy. Sto. Niño of Talaingod as part of the Climate Change Adaptation series of interventions under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program. DOST XI S&T Information and Promotion.
