The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) participated in the 2nd Regional Management Committee (RMC) Meeting hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region XII on July 25, 2023 at ATI RTC XII, ALC Hall, Tantangan, South Cotabato.

 

Dr. Jill D. Villanueva of PRRI presented the current situation and progress of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) in rubber, a fungal infection that causes severe defoliation and yield loss in rubber trees. She also shared the PRRI initiatives to manage and control the disease through research, extension and policy recommendations.

 

The RMC meeting, chaired by DA Regional Executive Director Dr. John V. Pascual, was attended by various stakeholders from different sectors. The meeting aimed to discuss and address various issues and concerns affecting the agriculture sector in the region, such as the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Roadmap, the Strengthening of Commodity Councils in Region XII, and the Updates on Regulatory Activities to combat emerging diseases.

 

PRRI is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the RMC meeting and to contribute to the efforts to mitigate the impact of PLFD in rubber. RED Pascual expressed his strong support and urgency to fast-track the initiatives to combat the disease and ensure the sustainability of the rubber industry in Region XII.

 

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