THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have started building the country's first National Seed Technology Park (NSTP) at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
This is in line with the government's effort toward a modern and industrialized agriculture industry.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar led the activity with the planting of indigenous and endemic trees, unveiling of the project billboard, and the distribution of seeds to Central Luzon farmers, who stand to benefit from the NSTP.
“When I took over as the secretary of Agriculture, we had to thoroughly examine how the Philippines can transform agriculture from a sleeping giant to something that will be considered as a big contributor to the economy,” Dar said. “That’s when the vision for NSTP was born. BCDA is one important partner that is making us realize this agriculture industrialization.”
The project was implemented to make Filipinos realize the vision of making the country agriculturally sustainable and resilient, said BCDA Senior Vice President Arrey Perez said.
“The establishment of NSTP is important more than ever, with agriculture being a major driver for the Philippine economy’s recovery from the pandemic,” said Perez, who spoke on behalf of BCDA President Vince Dizon.
The seed technopark is first to rise on the 50-hectare Agro-Industrial Business Corridor at the New Clark City.
It will serve as a home for a seed laboratory, incubation hubs, a machinery shed, soil and water chemistry laboratory, and other support facilities.