THE Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) underscored the gains of the research and development efforts on citrus during a two-day event in the town of Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya.
It was spearheaded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) Consortium.
The event, which was held recently at the Citrus Capital of Region-2, included the opening ceremony that highlighted the citrus R&D in Cagayan Valley; different exhibits featuring freshly-harvested citrus and various products derived from the fruit; promoting the citrus industry through cookfest, dessert-making, poster-making, essay writing, and quiz contests; investment forum; and an appreciation tour to the Malabing Valley in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, where citrus farming in the province began.
Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) president Dr. Andres Taguiam reiterated their never ending commitment to the R&D of the citrus industry.
Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla also underscored the potential of the citrus industry in addressing poverty and providing a source of income for the province.
On the other hand, Regional Research and Development Council (RRDCC) chair and Isabela State University (ISU) president Dr. Ricmar Aquino introduced PCAARRD’s FIESTA as a venue for collaboration and partnership for the citrus industry.
For his part, PCAARRD OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Dr. Melvin Carlos said FIESTA’s main goal is to enhance the interaction of technology generators and potential technology adopters and investors to enhance the flow of technology and its utilization for greater economic benefit.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña also visited the NVSU and Malabing Valley to interact with the guests, stakeholders, and the citrus farmers.
The appreciation tour also included the Farmers’ and Investment Forum.
CVAARRD director and ISU Vice President for Research, Development, Extension and Training Dr. William Medrano extended his appreciation the people behind CVAARRD and PCAARRD’s Citrus FIESTA.
The Citrus FIESTA carried the the theme “FIESTA in the Valley: Convergence Towards Support and Development for the Citrus Industry.”
CVAARRD is one of the R&D consortia of the DOST-PCAARRD.
The citrus industry provided employment opportunities and improved the quality of life of the farmers in Nueva Vizcaya, specifically in Malabing Valley where citrus is grown abundantly.
Nueva Vizcaya produces citrus-based processed products such as wine, cider, soap, and even spread.
Aside from Malabing Valley, citrus is also cultivated in at least 7 other barangays in the area.
Alfonso Namujhe, Nueva Vizcaya’s pioneer citrus producer, was said to be the pioneer in citrus production in the province and became the role model of many citrus farmers.
The success of citrus farming in the province of Nueva Vizcaya can also be attributed to the support provided by different sectors which include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST-PCAARRD, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), and other state colleges and universities (SUCs)./PN
