BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Cagayan Valley Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRD) hosted a two-day Farmers Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) featuring citrus production.
Science Secretary Fortunato dela Pena and Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla led the event that included a science and technology exhibit, agri-entrepreneurship forum, a tour of citrus farms in Malabing Valley, an investment forum, and citrus dessert making, among others.
The program was supposed to last for three days but reduced to two due to typhoon “Ompong.”
“It is important that the result of the research and development technologies are transferred to end users, in our case here, to you citrus growers,” Dela Pena told farmers participating in the Citrus Fiesta at a training center in Malabing Valley, Kasibu, this province on Friday.
“Through PCAARRD, we have undertaken many science and technology researches to help boost citrus production,” added the science chief.
He was accompanied by PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration Resource Management and Support Services Dr. Melvin Carlos and DOST Region 2 Director Engr. Sancho Mabborang.
“We want you not to be mere farmers but agri-preneurs. Farmers must think like businessmen,” Dela Pena pointed out.
In the opening program of the event held at Nueva Vizcaya State University on Thursday, Carlos as the guest speaker said: “PCAARRD is committed to boost citrus production through science and technology in Region 2 particularly here in Nueva Vizcaya.”
“Data shows Nueva Vizcaya, in particular the town of Kasibu, could be called Citrus Capital of the Philippines not just of Cagayan Valley region,” he said.
Padilla led the toast of citrus wine among guests and participants for goodwill. PCAARRD Applied Communication Division Director Marita Carlos also attended the event.
PCAARRD is currently funding the Citrus Resources Research for Development in Cagayan Valley program with NVSU Dr. Elbert A. Sana as program leader.
“The program includes projects on value chain analysis; gene bank and database profiling of citrus genetic resources; establishment of a production system for quality planting materials; and development of pest and disease management systems,” the program leader said.
NVSU, a member of CVAARRD, hosted the fiesta.