Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur – The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), in collaboration with the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Plant Quarantine Services (BPI-NPQS), has concluded a highly successful 4-day Capacity Development Training for Domestic Plant Quarantine Inspectors. The training focused on enhancing their skills and knowledge to effectively control the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber.

 

Ms. Alma O. Paler, the HVCDP Focal Person of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO)-Zamboanga del Sur, expressed her gratitude to the participants for their dedication and commitment to plant protection. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in safeguarding the agricultural industry and ensuring the health of rubber crops in the region.

 

The training commenced with a warm welcome message from Ms. Lindley L. Herrera, the Provincial Agriculturist of Zamboanga del Sur. Ms. Herrera emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing plant diseases that pose a threat to the region’s agriculture, particularly the rubber industry. She commended the participants for their role in this essential endeavor.

 

The primary focus of the training was the Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber, a challenge that has been affecting rubber plantations in the Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte Provinces. Through a combination of expert lectures, hands-on workshops, and practical demonstrations, the participants gained insights into the disease’s identification, prevention, and control strategies.

 

One of the key highlights of the training was the module on Deputation Training for Domestic Plant Quarantine Officers. This segment aimed to empower the officers with the authority and expertise required to effectively manage and control plant diseases at a local level. The participants were equipped with the necessary tools to conduct inspections, enforce quarantine measures, and take preventive actions to mitigate the spread of the disease.

 

The training was held on August 15-16, 2023, in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The active participation and enthusiasm of the attendees showcased their dedication to promoting a robust and disease-resistant rubber industry in the region.

The collaboration between PRRI and BPI-NPQS in organizing this training underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector. The training’s success serves as a testament to the effectiveness of capacity development initiatives in addressing challenges that threaten the livelihoods of farmers and the nation’s agricultural economy.

– 𝑱𝒂𝒚𝑪𝒆𝒆