S&T Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in Abra

03/08/2026

Another farming community takes a meaningful step toward a more productive opportunities ahead🌱

Tissue-cultured Lakatan banana plantlets were successfully given to the 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗼𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Barangay 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗼𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻, 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗻-𝗕𝗮𝗮𝘆, on July 30, 2026, by the S&T Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in Abra.

The turnover was personally led by the Project Leader, Dr. Nero Paderes, together with the project team, and was officially received by the officers and members of the Nagpaoayan Farmers Organization. This activity marks another important step in bringing science and technology closer to local farming communities, equipping farmer-beneficiaries with quality planting materials for the establishment of their Lakatan banana farms.👩‍🌾👨‍🌾

01/08/2026

𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧-𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗜𝗜𝗖𝗖 Teams Up with 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧-𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗦 to Advance Precision Soil Management for Lakatan Banana Production🧪

As part of the continuing Science and Technology (S&T) interventions under the DOST-PCAARRD-funded Project, "S&T-Based Tissue-Cultured Lakatan Banana Production in the Province of Abra," being implemented by the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology – Agriculture, Food and Technology Innovation Incubation and Commercialization Center (ASIST-AFTIICC) headed by Dr. Nero M. Paderes as Project Leader, the project management team partnered with ASIST-AMIRIS and the Velasco Farmers Association to conduct a soil testing activity in preparation for Lakatan banana establishment in Barangays Pias and Velasco, Tayum, Abra.

The activity utilized the ASIST-AMIRIS technology, a locally developed innovation by Dr. Philip Excel Guidang of the ASIST Information Technology Department. Equipped with a multi-parameter soil probe and an Automatic NPK and pH Level Analyzer, the system rapidly assessed soil conditions and generated science-based recommendations on soil nutrient enhancement and appropriate management interventions.

This collaboration demonstrates the integration of locally developed digital technologies with agricultural research and extension to support precision farming. Through accurate soil assessment and site-specific nutrient management, the initiative aims to improve the productivity of tissue-cultured Lakatan banana plantations, thereby enhancing the yield, profitability, and overall livelihood of the farmer-beneficiaries in the Province of Abra.

31/07/2026

On July 29, 2026, the 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗱, headed by Ma’am Marites Balling, formally received tissue-cultured Lakatan banana plantlets under the S&T Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in Abra. The turnover marks another significant milestone in the project’s ongoing efforts to promote science and technology-driven agricultural development in the province.

Following the turnover, the plantlets were immediately distributed to the identified farmer-beneficiaries on the same day, ensuring the timely establishment of their Lakatan banana farms. 🌱

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented by the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), the project aims to enhance banana production through the provision of quality tissue-cultured Lakatan plantlets and the adoption of science and technology-based agricultural interventions.

24/07/2026

🌱 Something New is Growing

Step inside our 𝗧𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, where science and technology come together to produce high-quality planting materials and support sustainable agricultural development.🔬👩‍🔬

More than just a laboratory, it represents our commitment to advancing research and innovation that empower farmers, support researchers, and create lasting benefits for our local communities.

Stay tuned as we continue to grow solutions for a more sustainable future. 🌿

19/07/2026

As part of the continuing implementation of the S&T Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in Abra, the project team, in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Villaviciosa, completed the validation and confirmation of the 27 qualified farmer-beneficiaries who will participate in the project.🧑‍🌾👩🏻‍🌾

Following the confirmation of the final list of qualified farmer-beneficiaries through the Municipal Agriculture Office of Villaviciosa, the identified farmers immediately proceeded with the necessary land preparation activities in anticipation of the project’s implementation.🌱

A total of 6,985 tissue-cultured Lakatan banana plantlets have been allocated for the municipality and will be distributed to the qualified farmer-beneficiaries at a later date. The schedule of distribution will be announced through the Municipal Agriculture Office and the project team.🗓️🖋️

14/04/2026

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The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology...

10/02/2026

Checking progress, addressing gaps, and moving forward. DOST-PCAARRD project monitoring to ensure projects stay on course.🔆✅

Disclaimer: The music used in this video does not belong to the page. No copyright infringement is intended.

10/02/2026

On February 9, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) TTPD team headed by Dr. Engelbert Lalican along with Dr. Diana Rose Cabello, and Ms. Althea Bautista conducted a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) visit to assess the progress of the S&T Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in Abra. The visit served as a formal venue to review Year 1 milestones, validate field accomplishments, and ensure alignment with the project's scientific and community-driven objectives.

The session opened with a warm welcome from ASIST President Dr. Gregorio Turqueza Jr., who reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing agricultural innovation in the province. This was followed by the formal acknowledgment of guests and additional welcoming remarks from Dr. Pablo B. Bose, R&D Director, and Dr. Nero M. Paderes, AFTIIC Director and Project Leader both of whom emphasized the project's role in strengthening the local S&T community through sustainable banana production.

The M&E concluded with a productive discussion between the project staff and the PCAARRD monitoring team, sharing valuable insights on scaling the project's impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Lakatan plantations as they transition into the next phase. Notably, the team suggested a possible extension of the project to further strengthen market linkages, enhance post-harvest processing capabilities, and ensure that the community-based associations are fully self-sufficient.

14/10/2025

Starting the day with some good news ☀️

The DOST-PCAARRD–funded Science and Technology Community-Based Project on Lakatan Banana Production in the Province of Abra has achieved a major sustainability milestone with the approval of the ASIST Board of Trustees (BOT) for the establishment of the Banana Resources Research and Innovation Center (BRRIC).🔬👩‍🔬

This milestone was made possible through the leadership and support of Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., ASIST President, and Dr. Noel B. Begnalen, Vice President for Academic Affairs, with the initiative spearheaded by Dr. Nero M. Paderes. The creation of the BRRIC ensures the continued advancement of research, innovation, and technology transfer in banana production.

The Center will serve as a hub for scientific research, capacity building, and enterprise development—strengthening ASIST’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and community empowerment in the Province of Abra.

15/09/2025

Where ideas meet action! DOST-PCAARRD leads the 2025 IMPACT Forum on September 11-12, 2025 at Golden Phoenix Hotel, Pasay City. 🤓 For two days, the venue turned into a hub of collaboration with extensionists, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders exchanging real-world stories, sharing strategies that work, and co-creating innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. 🌱🌍

The forum contains plenary sessions and breakout sessions showcasing best practices and outcomes in
AANR extension.

More than just talks, it was about building connections, inspiring action, and pushing boundaries for community transformation. 💡✨