THE University of Southeastern Philippines recently launched a crop science laboratory in its Mabini campus in Mampising, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province.
The laboratory is dedicated to the agriculture students and researchers who are actively working on Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (AFNR) researches on commodities like banana, pomelo and papaya.
During the launching and turnover ceremony of the crop research lab, Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin, Usep president, acknowledged the support of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) for the university in terms of research and development.
Alibin is in particular thankful to Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, PCARRD executive director. He also recognized the efficiency and competence of the faculty-researchers who patiently work on the various projects that uplift the name of Usep in the field of AFNR researchers.
The laboratory aims to "strengthen research projects on AFNR particularly those funded by the PCARRD to ensure food security," said Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, Southern Mindanao Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium (Smarrdec) director, during the turnover ceremony held on July 2.
With the P700,000 worth of repair and equipment of the new crop lab, Dr. Danilo C. Cardenas, PCARRD deputy executive director, who led the turnover of the laboratory to Usep, was optimistic that it would be of great benefit to the researchers and other clienteles of the university. He is positive that the Usep management will continuously support and sustain its services.
The occasion was also graced by Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio, PCARRD director for Crops Research Division; PCARRD experts-consultants like Dr. Feliciano Calora, Dr. Agustin Molina, and Dr. Jaime Sison; Eduardo P. Tesorero, representative of Dir. Anthony Sales, DOST 11 regional director; Usep-Mabini faculty and Smarrdec secretariat.
Prof. Belly T. Dionio and Ma. Asuncion Salibay, both faculty of Usep Tagum-Mabini campus, crafted the proposal for the rehabilitation of the crop laboratory in coordination with Smarrdec. (PR)