ππ¦ππ¬, ππ’πππ©ππ°ππ§ ππ’ππ² || ππ¨π―ππ¦πππ« π, ππππ – Responding to the outbreak of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease affecting several rubber plantations in the province, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rubber Research Institute (DA-PRRI), in partnership with the provincial government of Cotabato, took proactive measures by distributing agricultural supplies and inputs. In preparation for the event, 140 participants eagerly awaited the opportunity to learn during the Capacity Development seminar on Pestalotiopsis. Notably, prior to this, there was a thorough clearing of weeds, making the plantations ready for the impending treatment.
The distributed tools and supplies aimed at combating Pestalotiopsis included fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, machetes, safety coveralls, drums, garden hoses, and grass cutters. In a Zoom message, PRRI Executive Director Cheryl L. Eusala emphasized the importance of following the treatment plan to control and prevent the spread of the disease. She commended Cotabato province for its proactive stance in implementing quarantine protocols, active participation and collaboration with PRRI in the control and mitigation activity against Pestalotiopsis.
Jener C. Rojas, owner of a two-hectare rubber plantation in Barangay Pinamaton, Matalam, Cotabato, expressed gratitude for the assistance in combating the disease. He thanked PRRI’s leadership under Executive Director III, Dr. Cheryl Lazaga Eusala and the office of Governor Emmylou βLalaβ TaliΓ±o-Mendoza for their compassion towards rubber farmers.
In her message, Board Member Ivy Dalumpines-Ballitoc conveyed Governor Mendoza’s appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., and DA OIC-Regional Director John B. Pascual for their support in the agriculture sector in the province. The assistance also extends to municipalities, including Makilala, Carmen, Kabacan, Mβlang, and Antipas.
The ceremonial distribution was attended by PRRI Senior Science Researcher Jill Villanueva, Provincial Agriculturist Remedios Hernandez, and a representative from DA Field Office XII, Delberto P. Sabanal.
– Julius G. Biolango
