New projects on the clone testing of Mindanao tree plantation species and the conservation of the critically endangered Philippine Quillwort was recently launched by Central Mindanao University (CMU) in an inception meeting with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The meeting, attended by CMU President Rolito G. Eballe, the research teams, and the Council’s Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD), served as a crucial platform to align roles and responsibilities among key stakeholders, define project objectives in relation to the target outputs, and discuss the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) guidelines.
The project, “Comparative Testing and Piloting of Superior Yemane, Bagras, and Mangium Clones for Improved Wood Production in Regions 10, 11, and 13,” is set to be completed in three years across Mindanao’s largest wood-producing regions. With the leadership of Dr. Jupiter V. Casas of CMU, together with Dr. Dennis M. Gilbero of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), and Dr. Nympha E. Branzuela of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP)-Tagum Campus, the project aims to enhance wood production through pilot testing across Mindanao of the Yemane, Bagras, and Mangium clones propagated from superior mother trees.
Additionally, the two-year project, “Saving the Globally Important and Critically Endangered Lycophyte, Isoetes philippinensis Merr. & Perry (Isoetaceae), in the Olangu River, Lanao del Norte,” led by Dr. Fulgent P. Cortico seeks to establish the headwaters of the Olangu River as a critical habitat for Isoetes philippinensis, commonly known as the Philippine Quillwort – a rare Philippine-endemic aquatic plant species that was rediscovered after being believed to be extinct since 1969.
During the meeting, President Eballe highlighted the continued dynamic synergy between academic institutions such as CMU, ASSCAT, USeP, and national government agencies like DOST-PCAARRD in addressing critical environmental challenges through science-based solutions.
Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral, FERD OIC Director, also emphasized the importance of the inception meeting in providing strategic direction for the project implementation and ensuring a results-driven approach that supports the investment in the projects. Among the points discussed are agreements on the official starting dates, refinements to the project details, and resolution of various implementation concerns.
These new research endeavors further solidify the long-standing partnership of DOST-PCAARRD and CMU and embody their shared vision in utilizing science and innovation to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.