DOST-8 supports Agricultural Productivity projects in Biliran Province

With the end view of helping local farmers improve their productivity, the DOST Biliran PSTC joined hands with several Local Government Units and the Biliran Province State University to undertake several science and technology-based interventions. 

The BiPSU together with Mun. Agricultural Office of the LGU-Almeria, Biliran assisted DOST Biliran by fielding their consultants which are accredited by DOST’s Consultancy on Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Consultancy Program to assist two farmer groups from Biliran, Province. The consultants are: Mr. Brian Sinagote, the MAO of Almeria and expert in Agricultural Production and on Landscaping and Dr. Ramelito Petilos, expert in Agricultural and Livestock Production and a licensed Veterinarian. 

The fist CAPE beneficiary is a popular agri-tourism site - the ZAC Hot Spring Resort in Brgy Anislagan, Naval Biliran. It is one of the famous hot spring resorts in the island with its therapeutic hot spring pool. The consultants trained the beneficiaries in vegetable production, propagation of ornamental plants for landscaping purposes, and provide them with initial stocks for native chicken and ruminant production which will soon part of the eco-park’s showcase. 

The other farm is owned by the Estacion Family in Brgy Julita, Biliran, Biliran which was assessed by the same consultants last September 9, 2021. The said farm is another potential site for agri-eco tourism and for mountain climbers who are beginners due to its unique terrain. The consultants are expected to provide a comprehensive recommendation to the owners for the potential development to maximize the natural resources in the 5-hectare farm. 

Meanwhile, the DOST-Biliran PSTD Dr. Romeo Dignos joined the Provincial Governor of Biliran Hon. Dr. Rogelio J Espina and the Provincial Agriculturist Ms. Julia Sandiford in the culmination of the 4 month Season-Long Training on High Value Vegetable production on September 10, 2021 at the OPAS Training Center in the Capitol Grounds, Naval, Biliran Province. Gov. Espina lauded the support provided by the DOST through the provision of a Green House used as one technology showcased in the said training. The 48 participants who came from various farmers association from the different municipalities of the Province are one in appreciating the assistance provided and vowed to pursue the technology they acquired.