𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

August 8, 2023//Davao City

Davao City, Philippines – The second day of the International Rubber Workshop on Crop Management cum Technical Meeting 2023 unfolded with a series of insightful sessions aimed at tackling future challenges and advancing crop protection in the rubber industry. Distinguished participants and renowned experts gathered at the Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City, Philippines, to engage in productive discussions and collaborative efforts.

Chaired by Miss Lam Soon Jin, Economist from the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), this session delved into the vital topic of responding to the forthcoming challenges within the rubber industry. With an emphasis on innovation and adaptability, attendees explored strategies to ensure the industry’s sustainability and growth.

In a parallel initiative, Mr. Jack Alfonso Sandique, Chairperson for PCAF-NBC on Rubber, steered the first special session on Crop Protection. Attendees benefited from in-depth discussions on advanced techniques and technologies to safeguard rubber trees, optimizing productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Concurrently, Dr. Krissada Sangsing, Director of the Rubber Research Institute Thailand, skillfully chaired the second special session on Plant Protection. Esteemed experts shared their knowledge on disease prevention, pest management, and sustainable practices in ensuring the health and longevity of rubber plants.

The finale of the workshop featured a panel discussion that emphasized the importance of involving youth in positioning Natural Rubber (NR) in a Net Zero world. Panelists, including Dato’ Dr. Jalaluddin Harun (IRRDB Fellow), Dr. Shaji Philip (RRI India), Mr. Jess Bryan M. Alvariño (PRRI), and Ms. Aida-Mihaela Arosoaie (UW-Madison), shared their perspectives on how the younger generation can contribute to sustainable rubber practices. Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim, IRRDB Fellow and Professor at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, adeptly moderated the discussion, guiding the conversation towards actionable solutions.

Following the insightful sessions, attendees enjoyed a cultural and socialization night, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Participants exchanged ideas and experiences in a relaxed setting, further strengthening the collaborative spirit of the workshop.

The day concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants who actively engaged in the discussions and contributed to the success of the event. This recognition highlighted the commitment and dedication of individuals to furthering the rubber industry’s progress.

– 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐡𝐢𝐠