Hydroponics and Greenhouse technologies eyed for vegetable production in Brgy. Cabunga-an, Naval, Biliran

The Provincial Science and Technology Center-Biliran of the Department of Science and Technology VIII (PSTC Biliran-DOST 8) led by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, Provincial S&T Director of PSTC-Biliran signed today the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BLGU Cabunga-an’s chairperson, Hon. Ana Q. Victoria and the beneficiary group, Cabunga-an Farmers Association’s (CFA) represented by its president, Mrs. Catalina Q. Sto. Tomas, of the project entitled “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST)-Based Intervention for the PRLEC identified community in Cabunga-an, Naval, Biliran.” 

Signed into formality, the said agreement involves the implementation of the science and technology-based intervention to support the convergence program of Biliran Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) lead by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which focuses on organic agriculture production. 

The DOST counterpart includes transfer of hydroponic technology through training and provision of Mini-Green house for application of hydroponics technology in organic vegetable production. 

Upon the completion of the technology training, the Hydroponics infused with Greenhouse Technology will be transferred to the Cabunga-an Farmers Association as agreed in the MOA, thus, giving our local farmers the access to appropriate technology for the production of high value crops like lettuce, cabbage, pechay, and others. 

 This will boost the capacity of our local farmers by equipping them with relevant technological knowledge and facility for modern agriculture. In the hindsight, we see an empowered peaceful community that fully grasp the potential of technology and skills for economic survival despite the threats of pandemic. 

 The project was funded by DOST Region VIII Grant in Aid Program for 2020. 

Also with the DOST Biliran Team is Ms. Gracevillalyn Saldo, DOST Biliran's representative to the PRLEC, and Mr. Ace York Aguilar, GIA Project Assistant of DOST Biliran. - (AAguilar)