PhilRootcrops

IN PHOTOS | 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐛𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞

In support of the Municipality of Inopacan’s Agri-Fair 2026 celebration, PhilRootcrops conducted a Training on Ube Production and Rootcrop Processing on May 12, 2026.

The training was led by Science Research Aide Mr. Ricardo Jarofe Maranguit, Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego, and Science Research Assistant Ms. Marife Suaybaguio, who shared practical knowledge on sustainable ube production, rootcrop food processing, and value-adding opportunities.

The activity equipped local farmers with enhanced production techniques and processing skills that may contribute to improved productivity and additional livelihood opportunities within their communities.

IN PHOTOS | 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

PhilRootcrops is delighted to take part in this year’s Inopacan Agri-Fair 2026, held in celebration of the Municipality of Inopacan, Leyte’s Town Fiesta. With the theme, “Celebrating Agriculture, Innovation, and Community,” the event serves as a platform to promote agricultural innovations, local products, and knowledge-sharing among farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the community.

Visit the PhilRootcrops booth and explore a showcase of rootcrop products, technologies, and value-adding innovations. Learn more about the potential of rootcrops in supporting food security, livelihood opportunities, and sustainable agriculture.

The Inopacan Agri-Fair 2026 officially opens today, May 11, and will run until May 15, 2026, at the Inopacan Parish Grounds. See you there!

IN PHOTOS | 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞

PhilRootcrops conducted a Training on Rootcrop Production and Processing on May 6, 2026, as part of the Agri-Aqua Fair 2026, one of the major highlights of the Fiesta celebration of the Municipality of Hindang, Leyte.

The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local farmers on sustainable rootcrop production, product development, and value-adding technologies to improve productivity and livelihood opportunities.

Serving as resource persons were Science Research Aide Mr. Ricardo Jarofe Maranguit, who discussed rootcrop production covering key practices from land preparation to harvesting, and Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego, who facilitated the session on rootcrop processing and value-adding, demonstrating practical techniques and product innovations that enhance the economic potential of rootcrops.

The training was attended by members of various farmers’ associations in Hindang, Leyte, who actively participated in the discussions and learning activities.

Through these initiatives, PhilRootcrops continues its commitment to capacity building, empowering local farmers and supporting livelihood enhancement through rootcrop value-adding practices.

IN PHOTOS | 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐍𝐁 𝐊𝐆𝐁 𝐌𝐏𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

The PNB KGB Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC), a Bohol-based cooperative, visited PhilRootcrops for a benchmarking activity on May 4-5, 2026, focusing on cassava production, processing, and value-adding innovations. The activity was facilitated by PhilRootcrops in collaboration with the RAISE 8-ATBI, which provided technical guidance and coordinated the learning sessions throughout the engagement.

The activity began with a series of in-depth discussions. Ms. Mary Rose Maniego, Science Research Assistant, presented PhilRootcrops’ core programs, technologies, and research and development initiatives. Meanwhile, Ms. Julie Bee M. Aguinaldo, Project Leader of RAISE 8-ATBI, discussed the strategic role of the VSU Technology Business Incubator (VSU TBI) in supporting agricultural enterprises.

The visit continued with a guided tour of the PhilRootcrops laboratories, processing facility, and production area, where the delegates observed modern technologies and engaged with technical experts on cassava production, management practices, and processing.

The learning experience extended to Calubian, Leyte, where the group visited the Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative (FMPC). Guided by FMPC Branch Manager Mr. Roger Buscay, the delegates gained insights into cassava processing for animal feed production, including its specific technologies and operational practices.

The activity served as a valuable exposure to key practices in cassava production and processing. The knowledge and insights gained may contribute to the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to strengthen productivity, improve operations, and enhance value-adding initiatives.

IN PHOTOS | 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐰𝐒𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐛𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

PhilRootcrops, in collaboration with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), conducted a Capability Building for Farmers on Sustainable Organic Ube Production and Processing on April 27, 2026, at the PhilRootcrops Training Hall, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, which brought together farmers and representatives from various LGUs.

Serving as the resource person was Senior Agriculturist Mr. Dioscoro Bolatete, who delivered technical discussions and practical guidance to further enhance the participants’ knowledge and competencies in organic ube production and processing.

The NwSSU delegation was led by the Director for Research, Innovation, and Extension – San Jorge Campus, For. Eduardo G. Espejon Jr., together with the Director of SIOARDC, Dr. Jessie R. Sabijon, and the Head of Extension Services, Ms. Jayrose P. Ortiz.

As part of the initiative to support ube production, each participant was provided with purple yam seedlings after the training, serving as planting materials to apply the knowledge gained and promote sustainable ube production in their respective communities.

Happy birthday to our esteemed Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr.!

Your visionary leadership continues to inspire breakthroughs, empower communities, and elevate our university’s pursuit of excellence and impact. Through your thoughtful efforts, research becomes more felt, extension more meaningful, and innovation more empowering and transformative.

The whole VSU community is truly grateful for your passion and dedication towards bringing us into greater heights.

Once again, happy birthday Doc Dodoy!

IN PHOTOS | 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐅𝐅𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Day (FFD) celebration on April 27, 2026, featured engaging activities, including the “Pinaka Contest,” where participants brought their largest crop entries, alongside learning and demo sites visit/lecture sessions. Participants selected topics aligned with their interests and livelihood needs, gaining practical knowledge from the various departments and research centers of VSU.

PhilRootcrops contributed through demonstration sessions on the processing of sweet potato fries and ube halaya using ube powder. Led by Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego, together with Food Processors Mr. Leonifer Escala and Mr. Julius Bastasa, the activity highlighted processing technologies and equipment for value-adding, demonstrating improved methods to enhance product quality.

Experts on the four major rootcrops were also present during the sessions, sharing valuable insights, addressing participants’ questions, and providing practical recommendations for improved production and utilization.

Following these productive activities, the 2026 Outstanding UGMAD Awarding Ceremony was held at the VSU Gymnasium. Under the Outstanding Rootcrop Farmer category, Mr. Rustico E. Lagera of Carigara, Leyte, was declared the winner among the two finalists.

Congratulations to all the 2026 Outstanding UGMAD Awardees and to the farmers and fisherfolk who continue to inspire excellence and dedication in agriculture and fisheries!

IN PHOTOS | 𝐎𝐏𝐀-𝐒𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Siquijor conducted an on-site visit to the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) on April 21-22, 2026, as part of their initiative to strengthen technical capacity and foster collaboration in root crop development, with particular emphasis on cassava.

During the visit, the delegates expressed strong interest in cassava production and conveyed their intention to conduct varietal trials across the province. This initiative aims to identify varieties best suited to local conditions to enhance productivity and provide farmers with resilient, high-yielding crop options.

PhilRootcrops provided an overview of the cassava production system, including recommended varieties and best management practices, as well as an introduction to available technologies and value-adding opportunities for cassava-based products.

The activity also included a guided tour of PhilRootcrops’ key facilities, including the Tissue Culture Laboratory, the Central Analytical Services Laboratory, the Processing Facility, and the field production areas, facilitated by Senior Agriculturist Mr. Dioscoro Bolatete, together with Science Research Assistant Mr. Jerome Orbe.

This engagement serves as a strong foundation for future collaboration in advancing root crop research, technology adaptation, and field-level innovation in support of agricultural development and farmer productivity.