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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hosted a ceremonial rubber tapping and forum for stakeholders at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC), Kabacan, Cotabato, on March 25, 2024.
The forum was timely since the Philippine rubber industry operates with 75% of smallholder rubber farmers in 2 to 5 hectares of land; hence, there are issues such as poor access to technology.
The project, which focused on developing a rubber-based cropping system that sustainably increases the income of smallholder farmers via diversification and improved nutrient management, was attended by eleven rubber farmers from the Province of Cotabato, USM retired professors, faculty members, full-time researchers, and other stakeholders.
According to Prof. Leandreux Ocasion, a project leader from USM, the University served as the event host since USM is one of the sites for Rubber-based Cropping System establishment. Further, he highlighted the importance of the project, “it will help the stakeholders of the University, particularly the rubber farmers within North Cotabato and other private stakeholders as it potentially invests for the Rubber Based System.” He concluded.
Dr. Romulo L. Cena, Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian, and Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia are the pioneers of rubber-based cropping systems project. While Mr. Rezin G. Cabantug, Prof. Leandreux D. Ocasion, Prof. Elorde JR. S. Crispolon, and Prof. Mary Rodelyn A. Cariaga are the project leaders.
The program ended with a rubber-tapping demonstration at the project site.
