Qᴜᴇᴢᴏɴ ᴄɪᴛʏ, ᴅᴇᴘᴀʀᴛᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴀɢʀɪᴄᴜʟᴛᴜʀᴇ || ᴊᴜʟʏ 21, 2023

In a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD), a coordination meeting was held between Director @Cheryl Lazaga Eusala of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) and Assistant Secretary for Operations, Engr. Arnel V. De Mesa, from the Department of Agriculture (DA). The meeting took place on July 21, 2023, at the Department of Agriculture’s headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City.

 

During the meeting, Director Cheryl L. Eusala emphasized the significance of PRRI’s plan on Pestalotiopsis treatment. She provided a detailed presentation outlining the specific strategies and methodologies that the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) has developed to combat the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD). This plan included a comprehensive approach to disease management, including quarantine measures, and targeted treatments to prevent further spread and mitigate the damage caused by the disease. She also provided updates on the utilization of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) that was released to address the calamity caused by PLFD. The QRF plays a pivotal role in supporting the recovery and sustainability of the rubber industry, and both parties discussed its effective deployment and management.

 

Moreover, Director Eusala shared PRRI’s Community Mobilization plan, which aimed to involve other organizations and stakeholders in the Pestalotiopsis treatment. This plan sought to create partnerships and collaborations with various institutions and community groups to ensure that the financial support from the QRF reaches the affected rubber farmers and communities promptly. By involving other organizations, PRRI intended to streamline the disbursement process, expedite assistance to those in need, and maximize the impact of the allocated funds in combating PLFD and supporting the recovery of the rubber industry in the Philippines.

 

In light of the expertise and experience held by Assistant Secretary Arnel V. De Mesa as the Assistant Secretary for Operations in the Department of Agriculture, Director Eusala sought his guidance on how to best implement the plans and strategies developed by PRRI. Assistant Secretary De Mesa’s valuable input is expected to enhance the efficacy of the interventions and bolster the overall response to PLFD.

This meeting underscores PRRI’s commitment to finding viable solutions to combat the disease and uplift the rubber industry in the Philippines.

 

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐆. 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 & 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌. 𝐀𝐡𝐢𝐠