February 12, 2024 | Bangkok, Thailand
#𝙊𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 – The International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB) and the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) recently organized the annual Training Fellowship in Bangkok, Thailand. The event took place in different provinces of Thailand (Bangkok, Surat Thani, Krabi, and Pattaya) from February 6th to February 18th, 2024, and focused on youth empowerment in the rubber sector.
Representatives from various countries, including the Philippines, participated in the fellowship program. Dr. Jill Villanueva, the Officer-in-Charge, Chief of Crop Management Division (CMD) at the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), represented the Philippines in this event.
The main objective of the training program is to enable young scientists in the IRRDB member institutes to become familiar with the development of the NR industry in the member countries and to establish an effective network among themselves. Participants had the opportunity to visit different research centers in Thailand and gain insights into rubber product manufacturing processes. Additionally, they will attend the 24th International Rubber Conference (IRC) in Pattaya City from February 19th to February 22nd, 2024. The IRC serves as a platform for professionals in the rubber sector to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
Dr. Villanueva will be presenting two papers at the upcoming event: “Diversity of Pestalotiopsis Pathogens Causing Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines,” co-authored by Dr. Cheryl and Tamie Solpot, and “The Prevalence of Major Rubber Diseases and Insect Pests in the Philippines.” Additionally, posters on “Encroachment of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines” and “Preliminary Studies for the Control of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines,” co-authored by Dr. Cheryl Eusala, Joseph Lorilla, Melecio Cordero, and Glen Corpuz, will also be presented.
The participants come from various countries, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Côte d’Ivoire, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. During the opening program, the trainees also visited the Rubber Industry Division of RAOT, further enhancing their learning experience.
The Training Fellowship not only promotes knowledge exchange but also facilitates the establishment of global partnerships crucial for the sustainable growth of the rubber industry.
PRRI is proud to extend our profound congratulations to Dr. Jill Villanueva for her invaluable contributions to both papers, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of rubber pathology.
– Julius Biolango
– Fellow IRRDB Trainee
