08/07/2024
PCA-ZRC Division Chief III visits CAPSU CBTU in Capiz
To enhance the productivity and resilience of coconut plantations, Mr. Gerardo B. Baylon, PCA-ZRC Division Chief III, and his team paid a site visit to the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) in Burias, Mambusao, Capiz, on May 31, 2024.
Dr. Salvacion Legaspi, CSRDC Director/Program/Project 2 Leader; Mr. Francisco Lutao Jr., Project 1 Leader; and Ms. Lailanie Abalde, Project 3 Leader, assisted Mr. Baylon; Dr. Neil Melencion, PCA Regional Manager III; Mr. Andy Laurilla, PCA Capiz Division Chief; Mr. Jessiemar Cabasag, Sr. Science Research Specialist; Mr. Ernesto Emmanuel, Consultant; and Ms. Resalie Dantes, PCA Regional Technical Staff, for a field inspection to observe the health, yield, pest resistance, and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions of the experimental coconut varieties.
Thereafter, the team engaged in interactive discussions where findings were analyzed to address practical challenges, propose innovative solutions, and accept constructive recommendations.
Furthermore, continuous support and engagement were ensured through updates and follow-up plans to monitor the implementation of recommendations and ongoing progress.
Mr. Baylon played a pivotal role in the establishment of the CBTU, designing and laying out the unit, and ensuring that it was equipped to conduct advanced breeding trials and research in Capiz.
Through his efforts, the unit has become a key site for coconut research, significantly benefiting the local agricultural community and contributing to the sustainability of the coconut industry in the region.
Consequently, this initiative, facilitated by the Crop Science Research and Development Center; Research, Development and Extension Office; and CAPSU Burias Campus, provided an opportunity to evaluate the progress of ongoing breeding trials, assess the performance of experimental varieties, and discuss potential challenges and solutions with the research team.