MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—The Department of Agriculture (DA) Northern Mindanao-Regional Field Office sees an increased farmers’ yield after it inaugurated on Monday the P4.93 million Biological Control (Biocon) Laboratory and Administrative Building within the Regional Crops Protection Center (RCPC) compound in Malaybalay City.
Dr. Luz Guzman, the RCPC chief, said the building supports the center’s production of biological agents that will be used in the management and prevention of plant pests and diseases.
“This is one of the components of the Integrated Pest Management that will reduce the production cost of farmers by regulating the use of synthetic pesticides. The Biocon agents will not only preserve the helpful and friendly insects but will also regenerate soil fertility that will eventually help attain food security and sufficiency of the country,” she added.
Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado of DA NorMin congratulated RCPC for bracing with the challenges, from preparation of the document requirements up to the completion of the multi-million project.
“This effort of the government is expected to help more farmers. I hope this will become instrumental in ensuring quality services to our farmers and stakeholders in the region,” Collado said.
Carlota Madriaga, regional technical director for operations, likewise, encouraged the RCPC staff and employees to maximize laboratory utilization so they could quickly respond to farmers’ needs, especially during pests and diseases outbreak.
“With this facility, you are expected to level up your accomplishments, strengthen your capacity on the production side, and control the spread of pests and diseases to serve more farmers,” Madriaga said.
She also announced that farmers who want to avail of the said Biocon agents may request the agriculture office in their respective areas for the local government unit’s endorsement to DA-RCPC. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
