Dr Cordero as CAPE consultant

Dr. Paciente Cordero, retired Executive Director of the National Research Council of Philippines (NRCP 2001-2006) of the DOST, who hails from Burauen, Leyte recently visited Biliran for a consultancy engagement on Seaweeds Production. Dr. Cordero is a known expert in Marine Biology and conducted several studies particularly on the morpho-taxonomy of marine algae, including edible seaweeds of sea vegetables(NAST.gov.ph)


The visit was initiated through the support of the Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Program of the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) of DOST. The beneficiary group is the local people of Brgy. Villa Enage in Biliran town of the Province of Biliran headed by Mr. Arvie Buenconsejo, the Brgy. Chairman. The assistance include consultancy service on improving the farmer's propagation practices and to address farming problems to increase the output.

A survey was conducted last March 10, 2009 which showed there are about 16 hectares of coastal area which can be developed for the seaweeds production particularly Eucheuma spp. ("gozo"). Dr. Cordero was assisted by DOST-Biliran PSTD Mr Romeo L. Dignos and staff Engr. Manuel P. Letran, and the DOST-8 regional CAPE team headed by Ms. Evelyn Tablante.


Also with the evaluating group was the team of researchers from Biliran National Agricultural College (BNAC), Biliran, Biliran which is an attached school to the Naval Institute of Technology, headed by Dr. Nicasio Elatico.

After the initial evaluation the expert will provide necessary recommendation which will be adopted by the beneficiary.

(Photo from top to bottom: 1) Dr Cordero with PSTC staff Mr. Dignos (yellow), Engr Letran (blue), Dr. Elatico, & Ms. Tablante standing. 2) The inspection team, 3) The "gozo" production area.)