DOST-PCAARRD Portal

Philippine bamboo industry lacks comprehensive policy

Initial findings of a study, funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), suggest that imposing of “Certificate of Verification (CoV)” for harvested bamboo dampens private sector investment, discourages planting of bamboo, and breeds bureaucracy. There is a need for a more comprehensive policy that would ensure sustainability of the bamboo industry, economically and environmentally.

The project titled, “Creating an Enabling Environment for a Vibrant Philippine Bamboo Industry: Addressing Policy Constraints and Information Needs,” aims to provide the scientific basis for policy environment on bamboo that is in sync with societal needs; generate database information for dissemination; and propose a draft policy that will encourage bamboo resource development by both the government and the private sector. Preliminary results reveal that the government does not have enough basis and lacks coordination in implementing the existing bamboo policies, particularly, the issuance of CoV.

DOST Secretary visits UPV Multi-species hatchery

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña led the visit of the Multi-species Hatchery Complex of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) at Miag-ao, Iloilo. This was part of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) Governing Council Meeting to review R&D projects for funding under the DOST-PCAARRD Grants-in-Aid Program.

The Institute of Aquaculture of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (IA-CFOS) of UPV is implementing five ongoing PCAARRD-funded projects on mussel, shrimp, and aquafeeds R&D.

Mangrove Crab hatchery facility to provide reliable seedstock in Northern Luzon

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) awarded a ₱4.5 million-facilities development grant to Pangasinan State University – Binmaley Campus (PSU-BC) for the upgrade of its mangrove crab hatchery facility.

The improved hatchery facility in PSU-BS is expected to produce at least 480,000 crablets per year, which as of the moment are being sourced from outside the province such as Bicol, Cagayan, and the Visayas. The availability of reliable seedstock has been a major challenge that hampered the expansion of the mangrove crab industry in the region.

Sweetpotato products of the DOST-PCAARRD funded Project in Albay successfully launched

CAMALIG, Albay – The last leg of the business launching and product exhibit of the S&T-based Sweetpotato Value Chain Development for Food in Tarlac, Albay, Leyte, and Samar Program has been conducted during the 1st Magayon Bicol Agri-Expo held at Albay Farmers’ Bounty (AFB) Village recently.

Considered to be one of the milestones of the program, the activity aimed to introduce newly developed sweetpotato-based products to consumers and potential investors/traders.