The DA-Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Basilan Province, recently organized a two-day Capacity Development Training on Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) on Rubber. The event took place at the ISAWAD Function Hall in Isabela City, Basilan, with the primary objective of addressing the challenges posed by PLFD in rubber plantations. The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of agricultural technicians and rubber farmers, equipping them with effective strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of the disease.
The training program covered various crucial topics related to PLFD. Participants learned about the occurrence and prevalence of the disease in Basilan Province, as well as its management techniques. The program also delved into other common rubber diseases and their respective management practices. Furthermore, participants were provided with insights on disease surveillance and monitoring procedures. To provide a practical learning experience, a field demonstration was conducted on the second day of the training at UWARBMPC in Menzi, Isabela City, Basilan. During the demonstration, participants gained firsthand knowledge on identifying the symptoms of PLFD and learned how to assess the severity and infection levels of the disease through scoring methods.
As the training program progresses, it is expected that the participating farmers will develop a deeper understanding of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease including its By implementing the knowledge gained and adopting best practices, farmers will be better equipped to minimize the impact of the disease on their rubber plantations. This, in turn, will lead to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for the farmers.
Dr. Surhayda T. Aguinsada, the OIC (Officer-in-Charge) of the Provincial Agriculturist office, expressed her gratitude to the staff of PRRI, particularly Executive Director Cheryl L. Eusala, for their unwavering support to the province. She also acknowledged the dedication and eagerness of the participants to learn the training materials, recognizing their commitment to combat the challenges posed by PLFD.
The collaboration between the DA-Philippine Rubber Research Institute and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Basilan Province sets a remarkable precedent for proactive capacity development in the agricultural sector. Through this joint endeavor, the battle against Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease will not only safeguard the rubber industry but also contribute to the sustainable growth and development of Basilan Province as a whole.
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