UPANG palakasin at patuloy na pasiglahin ang industriya ng rubber sa Zamboanga Sibugay na itinuring na “Rubber Capital of the Philippines” lumagda ng Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) ang Department of Agriculture (DA) at DA-Philippine Research Institute (PRRI) upang magtatag ng mga kinakailangang pasilidad para rito sa Region IX.
Ayon kay DA-PRRI Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Eusala, kabilang sa napagkasunduang mga pasilidad na itatatag dito ay ang Research and Development Buildings, Experimental Station, at Propagation Nursery ng DA-PRRI.
Sabi niya, ang mga pasilidad ay ilalagay sa pitong ektaryang lote sa loob ng DA-Integrated Zamboanga Sibugay Research and Extension Services (IZRES) sa Region IX.
“The soon-to-rise facilities in Zamboanga Sibugay which gained reputation as the “Rubber Capital of the Philippines” for its 80,000-hectare rubber production, shall serve as important facets of the DA-PRRI’s research, development, and extension functions as well as the implementation of its initiatives for the Philippine rubber industry,” sabi ni Eusala.
“Through collaborative efforts, as attested by the execution of this landmark agreement, we shall attain the goal of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas. With this endowment, PRRI stands poised to establish a sanctuary of development for rubber growers, ensuring that no one is left behind,” dagdag ni Eusala.
Ang DA-PRRI ay inilikha sa pamamagitan ng Republic Act No. 10089 upang isulong ang Philippine rubber trees para sa produksyon ng latex at raw materials.
Binigyang diin ni Eusala na mahalaga ang research and development na pasilidad na ilalagay sa naturang rehiyon upang matulungan ang mga magsasaka na nagtatanim ng rubber na mapalakas ang kanilang mga produksyon sa pamamagitan ng mga pananaliksik sa mga bagong paraan para rito.
Sa kasalukuyan isa sa suliraning nireresolba ng DA-PRRI ay ang mga peste at sakit ng mga rubber trees na maaari umanong makaapekto sa produksyon nito.
Ilan aniya sa pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng ahensya ay ang paniniguro na magiging maayos ang presyo ng rubber.Hinihikayat din nila ang mga Pilipino na pasukin ang rubber farming.
“We encourage more Filipinos to engage in rubber farming and processing through the provision of technical support and the promotion of modern technologies and facilities for a more efficient rubber production in the country,” sabi ni Eusala.
Ayon kay DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. mahalaga ang papel na ginagampanan ng DA-PRRI, bilang institusyon upang mapalago ang Philippine rubber industry na tutulong sa kabuhayan ng 700,000 rubber growers sa bansa.
“The Department of Agriculture pledges to continue to collaborate to bring forth a robust rubber industry. We renew our commitment to ensure the delivery of accurate, efficient, and effective public service in the agriculture industry,” ang sabi ni Tiu-Laurel.
“This ceremonial signing comes at a time when prospects are improving for farmers and stakeholders and a multifaceted intervention will truly revive this industry. I have full trust that you will continue to lead in finding solutions to age-old issues and new challenges within the industry. I will be doggedly pushing for you to craft a comprehensive strategy for the development of the rubber industry in Zamboanga Sibugay, other areas of Mindanao, and the entire country, focusing on leveraging advanced technology, enhancing capacity-building, and training initiatives for farmers and stakeholders,” ayon kay Zamboanga, Sibugay Governor Dr.Ann Hofer. Ma.Luisa Macabuhay-Garcia