In response to the demand for disease-free and high-quality banana produce, Mindanao State University-General Santos with the Department of Agriculture officially launched the 5-million peso Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory housed in the University last March 30, 2023.
The OVCREI, through Research Director Dr. Christine Dawn G. Obemio, kicked off the event by emphasizing her take on the realization of the facility which would further enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers in adopting environmentally-smart farming practices, “This was a dream years ago. Now we have the realization of our dream and I am sure that this banana tissue facility will really help our farmers especially here in Region 12.”
Ms. Jeanette B. Madas, one of the project proponents highlighted in her discussion the significance of the facility to serve the banana processing industries and local farmers to have good quality saba planting materials, consequently offering more opportunities for economic gains among farmers. Also, the facility will be an arm for research and development, accessible to researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students.
Acting Chancellor, JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA expressed his gratitude to those who supported the establishment of the laboratory facility and shared the importance of forging partnerships with various institutions, “I keep on reminding everyone that MSU-Gensan is encouraging more collaborations in all government offices. Engagement with the local farmers would widen the scope of extension projects of the university for sustainable food security and production in our region.” He added that one of the benefactors of the program is the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who will receive training courses on smart farming practices, pest control, and strategic marketing that will help alleviate the economic status of the former combatants as part of the peace efforts of the government.
The ceremony was graced with the presence of honored guests – DA-ACEF Monitoring Team (Engr. Niña Mae Talaro and Engr. Kenny Bryalle Mendez), Mr. Wilson Viloria II, Hannah Lumbao, Jeffrey Dela Cruz, Fema Agustin, Novelyn Corpuz, Maria Gina Turmila, Melrose Kate Embiado, Edgar Allan Pasaol, Nelly Ylanan, Engr. Novelyn Corpuz, Maria Gina Q. Turbila, Melrose Kate Embiado, OIC Engr. Irma Rodis, Mr. Camilo S. Montefalcon, Karen Mae Bacanlao, South Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist, Dr. Raul Teves, CNSM Dean, Dr. Juniven P. Acapulco, other MSU-Gensan officials, and representatives.
The Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory under the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Program of the Science Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics was funded by the Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) Research and Development – Research Facilities Development 2020 headed by Dr. Remedios S. Flamiano, Dr. Jaime A. Namocatcat, and Ms. Jeanette B. Madas.