USM Strengthens “No Single-Use Plastics” Campaign
September 12, 2024
USM Celebrates Library Day, Launches “Kapihan sa Aklatan”
September 13, 2024
The Smart Cacao Budwood and Greenhouse facilities, a part of the “Smart Cacao Budwood Nursery and Greenhouse for Production of High-Quality Planting Materials” project, under the leadership of Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, were officially launched on September 12, 2024, at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC).
The project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and was built by Harbest Agribusiness Corporation (HAC), amounting to Php 7,930,888.00.
The launching ceremony of these facilities was attended by several dignitaries, including University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Francisco Gil N. Garcia, dignified personnel of DOST-PCAARRD, USM Directors, and USM Vice Presidents Dr. Eimer M. Estilloso, Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Prof. Marcos F. Monderin, and Dr. Samsudin S. Panday.
During the ceremony, President Garcia expressed his gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD, especially to Dr. Barlaan, and to all those who have been part of the project’s success.
“Let this cacao be a symbol of hope, and resilience between PCAARRD, our researchers, and also to our farmers…More researchers mean more workers, more workers mean more technology, more technology means more Cacao production in the future.” he added.
The ceremony concluded with the hope that the project would lead to positive outcomes and benefit not only the USM community but especially the farmers and students, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
