Coconut hybridization research and development (R&D) aims to help the local coconut industry by sustaining the supply of quality planting materials in order to produce high-value products.
To support this, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) partnered with three Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) research centers in launching seven projects under the Coconut Hybridization Program of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.
This was held recently during an inception meeting in Zamboanga City.
The council is strengthening its collaboration with PCA by providing fund support to the latter’s existing R&D capacities and technical expertise.
Six of the seven projects focus on varietal improvement and selection of palms with outstanding traits, profiling hybrids and breeding cultivars that are resistant to biotic or ecological and abiotic or nonliving stresses.
Meanwhile, one project aims to enhance the science-based integrated pest management of coconut rhinoceros beetle, a widespread coconut insect pest that damages fruit-bearing palms.
The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD facilitated a discussion to clarify and refine project details, including the role of PCA as the implementing agency.
The monitoring and evaluation plan of each project and grant guidelines were also presented to the project teams.
“This inception meeting will lay the groundwork for our projects’ successes,” said DOST-PCAARRD OIC-Deputy Executive Director Juanito T. Batalon, for Research and Development.
Batalon added that a collaborative environment is the key to a smooth project implementation.
Meanwhile, CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina reiterated the importance of close coordination and open communication.
She said, “I want you to remember that the success of these projects depends on every one of us. We are a team, and our collective effort will determine the outcome of this endeavor.”
The meeting was attended by then-PCA R&D Branch Deputy Administrator Ramon L. Rivera, Director Leonilo B. Abella of the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium, and DOST Region IX’s Judilyn E. Alvarez.
Following the meeting, the CRD team visited several DOST and PCAARRD-supported laboratories, facilities and field setup at PCA-Zamboanga Research Center.
Image credits: Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD
