In a courtesy visit, Director Cheryl L. Eusala of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) met with Mayor Rino Delos Reyes of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, to discuss the institute’s future plans and collaborations. During the meeting, Mayor Delos Reyes expressed his unwavering support for the PRRI’s endeavors and emphasized the need for its nationwide expansion to strengthen the rubber industry in the Philippines.
Mayor Delos Reyes proposed the creation of a joint memorandum involving the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PRRI, and the local government unit (LGU) to ensure the protection and development of the rubber industry as a whole.
Responding to the mayor’s suggestion, Director Eusala emphasized that while research is a crucial aspect of the PRRI’s function, the institute also plays a vital role in production services. She further stated that by 2024, PRRI plans to establish model farms, setting an example for sustainable rubber farming practices.
During the meeting, Mayor Delos Reyes shared an ongoing project undertaken by the LGU-Naga: the establishment of a crumb rubber processing plant with an initial investment of 30 million pesos. This project aims to utilize the region’s rubber produce and process it locally, thereby contributing to the economic development of Naga and the surrounding areas. Highlighting his vision for Naga, Mayor Delos Reyes emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and regional empowerment. By locally processing rubber, Naga can maximize its resources, generate employment opportunities, and foster a sustainable rubber industry within the region.
Director Eusala expressed PRRI’s openness to collaborations, affirming the institute’s willingness to work with various stakeholders to promote the growth of the rubber industry nationwide. This collaborative approach is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and overall development of the rubber sector.
The courtesy visit of Director Eusala to Mayor Delos Reyes signifies a strong partnership between the PRRI and the local government of Naga, with shared goals of advancing the rubber sector and promoting economic growth. As the PRRI prepares for its nationwide expansion, collaborations such as these will play a crucial role in realizing the full potential of the rubber industry in the Philippines.
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