DOST Biliran PSTC: DOST-Biliran joins the planting fad in pandemic times

Gov. Rogelio J. Espina w/ PSTD Romeo Dignos
of DOST Biliran during the Project launching

The pandemic created a new fad within our neighborhoods developing the plantitos and plantitas amongst us.

Well, its a productive craze that enabled many to derive income out of it. Selling planting materials, seeds, seedlings, potting media, fertilizers, pots, organic vegetables, beautiful ornamentals of varied species, and many others. The government responded well by promoting agricultural production during this challenging times and provided support in terms of technology, human resource capability enhancement, experts advices, and many others.

The DOST-Biliran Provincial Science and Technology joined the efforts of the national and local governments in stimulating agriculture productivity of micro and small farms and even up to the household levels to sustain the needs of the populace. In 2020, armed with a meager fund allocated under the Grand-in-Aid Program of the DOST Regional Office No. VIII, DOST-Biliran was able to provide one (1) unit of Greenhouse to the Provincial Government of Biliran through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS).

Ellen Joyce Nartia-DOST Biliran PA 1 (right) with OIC-OPAS
Ms. Julia T. Sandiford and Mr. Noel Falguerra OPAS, Project Coordinator

The said greenhouse measure 5 meters in width, 15 meters long and 4.5 meters high. It is equipped with a drip irrigation system. It is used to showcase technologies on high value vegetable production under greenhouse conditions. The Biliran OPAS trained farmers from around the Province as an alternative method in farming especially during these times when weather is unpredictable.

The Provincial Governor, Hon. Rogelio J. Espina is optimistic the greenhouse facility can help the effort of the LGU in boosting supply of high value vegetable in the province. This technology showcase can also be a start of further replication in the municipalities in future projects.

The Governor personally joined DOST-Biliran team and OPAS in the launching and inauguration of the project on December 1, 2020 at the Capitol Grounds where the greenhouse is located. Since the launching of the project, the OPAS with the farmer beneficiaries have been able to harvest various crops such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pechay, and others planted in the green enclosure.

Meanwhile, DOST-Biliran PSTC also responded to the call of the Biliran Provincial Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Communist Conflict (ELCAC-PRLEC) to help PRLEC identified community. DOST-Biliran provided hydroponics technology to the Cabungaan Farmers Association in Brgy Cabungaan, Naval, Biliran. DOST-Biliran PSTC provided a mini-greenhouse measuring 2 meter in width 4 meters long and 2.5 meters high. This will house the hydroponics system that will be used by the farmers in the production of high value crops such as lettuce, peeper, and others.

The DOST-Biliran conducted training on hydroponics production of vegetable with the expertise of partner Mr. Brian Sinagote, the Municipal Agriculturist of Almeria who is also a beneficiary of DOST-SETUP producing vegetables using hydroponics.

From then, the farmers of Cabungaan enjoyed their newfound technical know-how in hydroponics vegetable production and enjoyed their produce which likewise provided them added income.

Other Photos are shown below.