Category : Colleges | Sub Category : College of Agriculture and Fisheries Posted on 2021-10-28 09:30:14
The Catanduanes State University in partnership with the Provincial
Local Government Unit of Catanduanes conducted a four-day training and workshop
on biological control for abaca diseases with Mr. Dennis L. Bialen a.k.a. โDoc
Germsโ as resource speaker on October 20-23, 2021.
The activity was spearheaded by the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC), PIPERS, REPA, Extension Services, DOST-PCAARRD and the Provincial Local Government through Governor Joseph C. Cua.
The techno-demo sites visited were in Bgry. Paraiso, San Miguel; Brgy.
Mintay, Bato; Brgy. Cabuyoan Panganiban; and Brgy. Timbaan, San Andres. During
the visit, the participants were able to witness field demonstration on the
protocol of the preparation and application of product called BIALEXIN crop vaccine developed by Doc Germs. Queries
and tips on how to minimize the spread of abaca diseases, clearing, sanitation
and the proper production management practices were emphasized.
During the closing program on Oct. 23 at CatSU Auditorium, the CatSU
President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed his appreciation to everyone
who made the event successful especially to the invited resource person, Doc
Germs who came all the way from the Mindanao.
Dr. Azanza said that, once again, CatSU is able to do its share in
improving the abaca management practices of our fellow Catandunganons. โWe will
continue doing this, and we are happy that we are able to provide such services
to the communities, to the Islanders,โ he added.
Farmer representatives also share their impressions for the four-day training/workshop. One farmer from the Municipality of Panganiban expressed his gratitude to the knowledge they have gained on planting and reproducing abaca easily, how to control the pests particularly abaca mosaic and abaca bunchy top and how to treat its diseases.
In her closing marks, Prof. Ma. Jugie R. Ramos, Dean of CAF, said that
because of the techniques and management strategies imparted by Doc Germs, she
believes that in three yearsโ time, the island province of Catanduanes can have
an improved abaca production management system.
The training-cum-workshop which generally aims to introduce principles and demonstrate the efficacy of biological control systems of bunchy top and fungal wilt diseases in abaca was conducted in support and contribution to the provincial efforts of reviving the abaca industry in the province after the calamitous events happened last year.
Considering Catanduanes as the biggest supplier of abaca plants (Musa
Textilis) in the Philippines, the province has been acknowledged as the abaca
capital of the country. The geographical location, favorable soil and climactic
conditions of the province has made its contributions to the countryโs
agricultural development known in terms of producing high quality fibers even
to the global market. #GZafe