To address important matters regarding the newly approved funded projects of Capiz State University (CAPSU) within the Coconut Hybridization Program of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), an Inception Meeting was held on February 22-23, 2024, at CAPSU Dayao Satellite College, ATBI Building, Roxas City, Capiz.
Under the overall leadership of Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, CSRDC Director, the program titled “The Utilization of the Coconut Germplasm Collection at the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) for the Advancement of Coconut Hybridization in Western Visayas” is scheduled to run for 5 years with a total budget of 25.7 million pesos from DOST-PCAARRD.
The program consists of three projects focused on developing technologies for coconut hybridization and cropping systems, intending to scale up these technologies for commercialization.
Mr. Francisco T. Lutao Jr. will handle Project 1: “Rehabilitate the Germplasm Collection at the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) in Capiz and Optimize Cultural Management Practices,” aiming to rehabilitate the CBTU and develop coconut-based cropping systems for 42-year-old tall varieties and 30-year-old dwarf varieties to encourage coconut farmers to revitalize their old trees and make them more productive.
Additionally, Dr. Legaspi will manage Project 2: “Utilization of the CBTU Germplasm Collection as Parent Materials and Protein Sources for Hybrid Nut Production,” which involves producing hybrid nuts for distribution to coconut farmers in the province and addressing anticipated problems in hybrid coconut production.
Moreover, Ms. Lailanie Abalde will oversee Project 3: “Development of a Hybrid Coconut-based Cropping System,” aiming to develop a hybrid coconut-based cropping system that considers nutrient removal of hybrids, light penetration as trees age, sustainable soil fertility, and income increase.
To further enhance the implementation of the projects, Dr. Neil J. Melencion, PCA Regional Manager; Dr. Juanito B. Sangalang, S&T Consultant; Ms. Juafe M. Abareles, Capiz Provincial S&T Director; Mr. Andy Laurilla, Provincial Coconut Division Manager; Mr. Roy Benedict Peralta, PCA CFIDP PMO representative; Ms. Susan L. Garcia, Administrative Officer IV, OIC Budget Section; and the Crops Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD, represented by Ms. Ma. Cecilia S. Alaban, SRS, PDRG Assistant Head; Ms. Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, SRS II, ISP Manager for Coconut; Mr. Joel Norman R. Panganiban, SRS II, PMES Head; and Ms. Pauline Davis E. Caparas, PTS I, provided significant feedback during the presentation by each project leader. Consequently, the PCA and DOST of both provincial and regional offices assured support for the development of innovative solutions tailored to the program’s needs.
Dr. Editha C. Alfon, SUC President III, exudes profound enthusiasm and extends her heartfelt gratitude towards the projects, recognizing its immense potential to revolutionize the coconut industry. With keen insight into the agricultural landscape, Dr. Alfon appreciates the significance of such initiatives in fostering growth and sustainability within the sector.
The meeting discussed the commencement of the mentioned projects and enabled the project teams to clarify the roles of the researchers, implementing agency, and DOST-PICAARRD; define requirements, expected outputs and outcomes, and work plans; establish monitoring schedules and implementing strategies; agree on refinements of methodology; discuss the DOST-GIA Guidelines covering technical and financial aspects; and agree on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan. Likewise, the CRD M&E Team conducted a field visit at the involved R&D facilities in CAPSU.