PRRI Makes History with First-Ever Women’s Month Outreach Program, Honoring the Real Bosses

With the sub-theme: “Lipunan Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas, Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan!”, the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), in collaboration with various partner agencies and organizations including LGU Naga, 106th Infantry Brigade, Landscapers from Titay, Alab Lady Ipil Eagle’s Club, Sulo Women’s Association (SWA), and Jo Rubber Sulo Women’s Association (JOSWA), hosted an unprecedented outreach program. This event celebrated Women’s Month at Barangay Sulo, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, aiming to promote women’s empowerment and support the local rubber industry’s development.

During the event, Dr. Girlie R. Saludo, OIC-RTESD, represented PRRI, emphasizing the significant presence of women. Notably, female leaders within PRRI, including the director herself and division chiefs, stood as a testament to the ongoing efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in rubber research.

The festive atmosphere brought together women from the rubber farming community of all ages. They actively participated in interactive sessions, which included free haircuts, distribution of rubber slippers, and legal advice (VAWC) from PRRI Legal Officer, Atty. Mae Theresa Clare M. Dimol. Adults and children alike engaged in the feeding program, fostering greater interaction within the community.

This Women’s Month event, in partnership with various stakeholders, exemplifies a commitment to women’s empowerment and further development in the rubber farming sector. With women leaders at the forefront, PRRI sets a powerful example of gender equality and underscores the significant role women play in agriculture.

PRRI, DOLE Collaborations to Increase Productivity, Address Challenges in Mindanao’s Workforce

In a significant meeting held on March 21, 2024, the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) joined forces to address critical issues in Mindanao’s workforce. The collaboration aims to tackle challenges such as low productivity, work informality, and persistent poverty. The meeting resulted in several agreements, including the commitment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide scholarships for rubber workers’ families and training for a revamped rubber production course. PRRI played a pivotal role in the discussions, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to combat the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) and the wintering season. This collaboration is a significant step towards increasing productivity and fostering economic prosperity in Mindanao.

PRRI Forges Continued Collaboration with PhilSA to Boost Philippine Rubber Industry

PRRI and PhilSA: A Partnership Propelling the Philippine Rubber Industry Forward. Building on their initial collaboration in 2023, the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) are harnessing the power of space technology to revolutionize the country’s rubber industry. Their joint efforts aim to combat the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) and create a comprehensive national rubber database system. The recent event held on March 21, 2024, in Zamboanga Sibugay, marked the renewed commitment of these agencies towards this cause. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the Open Data Kit (ODK) for data collection, along with OceanOptics instruments for leaf spectral data measurement, showcased the potential of cutting-edge technologies in enhancing the industry. This ongoing collaboration is a testament to their dedication to creating a robust, sustainable, and future-proof rubber sector that empowers Filipino farmers and bolsters the national economy.

PRRI Sends Breeders for Training Abroad

The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) recently sent its pioneering rubber breeders from the Genetic Resources and Improvement Division (GRID) to Sri Lanka for an intensive training program. This initiative, aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas campaign for human resource development, aims to equip the next generation of Filipino rubber breeders with the latest advancements in the field.

PRRI’s participation in this program underscores its commitment to developing high-yielding rubber clones for Filipino farmers.

“Ascending Arts in Rubber” Project: a PRRI-PRIA Collab

A first-of-its-kind project, “Ascending Arts in Rubber,” was launched by PRRI and PRIA on March 11th. The week-long exhibit showcases the versatility of rubber, from raw materials to finished products. Visitors can even see a live rubber tree tapping demonstration! This collaborative effort aims to educate the public about the rubber industry and its potential for economic development and sustainability. Let’s celebrate this exciting initiative!