DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) Fortunato dela Pena, undersecretary for Science and Technology Services, said the export of local flowers is not farfetched.
Dela Pena said the role of science and technology is slowly solving the problems in the north with the wind energy projects in the Ilocos Region and Batanes area.
He advised the province: “Find your agricultural niche, there is a lot of indigenous knowledge available here, utilize it.”
In Benguet alone, there are 843 hectares of flower farms scattered all over the 13 municipalities. These farms are growing a variety of blooms that are distributed to lowland markets.
Dela Pena opened this year’s Northern Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair at the Benguet State University (BSU) on Monday with the theme: “Responding to Global Challenges through Science and Technology.”
Atok produces 53,433 dozens cut flowers in a year, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. It was followed by Bakun with 36,000 and Tuba with 35,692 dozens, respectively.
Dela Pena advocated the formulation of big ideas to jumpstart action in the province.
He cited the newly opened Philippine Science High School in Baguio City as part of the improvement of DOST programs.
He said “transference of technology in the form of training, assistance in acquisition (of technology), and developing technology-based enterprises would in turn employ more people and generate wealth.” (Maria Elena Catajan)