APAYAO officials have asked the Department of Science and Technology for assistance in expanding its program of propagating agricultural products and making it climate resilient to prevent extensive typhoon damage similar to that incurred during Typhoon Ompong.

During the Regional Science and Technology Week at the Provincial Capitol Multi-Purpose Hall and Evacuation Center, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. explained the importance of making the agricultural products of the province resilient.

“We have asked DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña for their department to look on how our agricultural products may have a longer shelf life and on how it should be presented and marketed to give our farmers a better income through technological forms of production,” Bulut said.

Dela Peña acknowledged the need for Apayao and instructed its regional department in the Cordillera to find ways on how to assist and come up with effective programs along this line.

“I have instructed regional director Nancy Bantog to coordinate with the provincial government on what specific agricultural products need innovative approaches in development for us to assist the farmers who have suffered from the effects of Typhoon Ompong and to help them recover from their losses,” Dela Peña explained.

The DOST official added the possible establishment of agriculture resiliency centers to equip farmers with tools that will allow them to absorb and recover from shocks and stresses.

“Just like in other parts of the country, we have to look at potentials to expand the growth of the province of Apayao not only for the farmers but for small entrepreneurs in the province through upgraded programs of the DOST to achieve collective prosperity. We also need to improve the present infrastructure and interconnectivity systems and use innovative programs to achieve this since should be for the people,” Dela Peña stated.

In terms of infrastructure and interconnectivity, Bulut explained almost 80 percent of the road networks within the province have been cemented which would help farmers to bring their agricultural products to the market areas easier.

“We are looking at improving our tourism potentials for the next 10 to 20 year’s which would greatly help our agricultural farmers in the municipalities. And through innovative approaches to be provided for by the DOST, we foresee an improvement in the lives of our province mates in the coming years,”Bulut added.

Among the programs DOST is presenting in this year’s Regional Science and Technology Week is the Apayao Complementary Food Processing Center and the sericulture project, which is awaiting funds for its full implementation in the province.