CAPSU Crop Science Research and Development Center

Happy Birthday, Sir Roger!

Today marks more than just another year; it's a celebration of the extraordinary impact you've had as the Director of CSRDC. Your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have guided numerous initiatives, profoundly touching and transforming communities. Your commitment to corporate social responsibility serves as an inspiration, encouraging everyone to strive for a better world.

May your birthday be filled with immense joy, continued success, and the warmth of appreciation from all the lives you've positively influenced. It is an honor for everyone to witness and be a part of your remarkable journey!

CAPSU strengthens research capabilities through training on experimental studies.

To enhance the capabilities of the center's staff and improve the quality of research studies, the Crop Science Research and Development Center (CSRDC) conducted a training session on Research Design, Sampling Techniques, and Data Management for experimental studies at Gov. Vicente B. Bermejo Hall, Capiz State University (CAPSU)–Burias Campus on February 28, 2025.

Faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) served as resource speakers during the program. Dr. Ramonita C. Verano, Program Coordinator, delivered a comprehensive lecture on various research design methodologies, providing participants with a solid foundation in experimental planning. Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan T. Sarimong, College Dean, discussed crucial sampling techniques and data management strategies, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection and analysis for reliable research outcomes.

Furthermore, Prof. Roger L. Berganio, CSRDC Director, led a discussion on fertilizer computation, followed by a practical field training session focusing on the proper design and implementation of research studies. This hands-on component allowed participants to apply the knowledge gained from the morning lectures to real-world scenarios.

The training program was formally opened by Dr. Rodyard B. Madicum, Campus Administrator, who delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the event's significance in strengthening the research capacity of the center.

In his closing message, Prof. Berganio expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the event's ex*****on. He also hoped that the training would further develop the skills of the research staff, leading to more robust and impactful research studies.

Congratulations, DR. SALVACION J. LEGASPI!
Our new University Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages!

Eight years. Eight years of unwavering dedication and passion as the Director of the Crop Science Research and Development Center (CSRDC). We have witnessed your immense hard work over the years, even in the face of significant challenges. We have always admired your strength, and despite numerous obstacles, you have consistently found a way to overcome them.

You have been the backbone of our center and the main reason for its success. The research achievements we’ve celebrated are a direct result of your leadership and vision. The lessons and discipline you’ve instilled in us will remain with us forever.

Goodbyes are unnecessary because you have been an essential part of our success. The impact you’ve made will continue to guide us.

On behalf of your CSRDC family, Ma'am Ging, we are deeply thankful, immensely proud, and excited for your future endeavors. Thank you for everything!

Congratulations!

PROF. ROGER L. BERGANIO, our new Crop Science Research Development Center Director!

🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊

CSRDC empowers farmers and stakeholders with darag chicken production training

To enhance local farmers' and stakeholders' knowledge and skills in sustainable poultry production, the Research, Development, and Extension - Crop Science Research and Development Center (RDE-CSRDC) facilitated a Training on Darag Native Chicken Production on September 10, 2024.

Dr. Maryneth B. Barrios, Research Chair of Dumarao Satellite College, served as the resource speaker for the training, which was held at Cogon Hills Integrated Farm, Brgy. Cogon, Panit-an, Capiz.

During the morning session, Dr. Barrios delivered a lecture on Darag Native Chicken Production and Health Management, where she discussed the breed’s characteristics, proper housing, feeding practices, and disease prevention strategies. She also emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures and health monitoring to ensure the productivity and sustainability of Darag native chickens.

In the afternoon, she conducted a hands-on training session on Feed Preparation, Deworming, and Vaccination techniques, where she demonstrated the proper formulation of feeds using locally available ingredients, the correct methods for administering deworming treatments, and the safe handling of vaccines to prevent common poultry diseases.

This training came in response to a request from Dr. Rose Marie N. Conlu, owner of Cogon Hills Integrated Farm, who sought the assistance of CSRDC to conduct this extension activity. The farm plans to expand its operations by integrating free-range and Darag chicken farming.

Also present at the program were Dr. Jocelyn S. Legaspi, Extension Director, who delivered the opening remarks, and Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, CSRDC Director, who explained the rationale for the event. Dr. Conlu expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the successful conduct of the training.

CSRDC hosts training on monitoring and evaluation for research centers and campuses

The Research Development and Extension – Crop Science Research and Development Center (RDE-CSRDC) conducted a Training on Monitoring and Evaluation (Role of Research Centers and Campuses) on September 3, 2024, at the Board Room of the CAPSU Central Administration Building, Fuentes Drive, Roxas City, Capiz.

Mrs. Kristine Joy P. de Guzman, Senior SRS/PMES Program Head of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Crops Research Division (CRD), served as the resource speaker.

"Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) are mechanisms used to conduct continuous or periodic surveillance over the implementation of a program or project to ensure that input deliveries, work schedules, target outputs, and other required actions are in accordance with the plan," Mrs. de Guzman emphasized during her lecture.

The training covered topics such as the Basic Concepts and Importance of M&E; DOST Project M&E Protocol: Role of Research Centers in R&D Management; and Technology Generation, and Transfer; Key Principles of the M&E Protocol; Project Implementation and Monitoring; Project Monitoring Indicators; and Project Outcome and Impact Evaluation.

More than thirty participants from the nine campuses and satellite colleges of the university attended the training, including research and extension chairs, project leaders, and staff. They also engaged in a workshop on using an M&E tool and presented their outputs, which were critiqued by the resource speaker for further improvement.

During the program, Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, University Research Director, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Efren L. Linan, VP for RDE. At the same time, Dr. Mary Ann B. Martelino, VP for EAL, gave an inspirational message representing Dr. Editha C. Alfon, SUC President III.

7 CAPSU staff and faculty complete 5-day training at PCA-ZRC

To be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for project implementation, seven CAPSU staff and faculty attended comprehensive training on “Mother Palms and Pollen Sources Varietal Identification for On-Farm Hybridization and Hybrid Mass Production” at the PCA-Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC) in Brgy. San Ramon, Zamboanga City, from May 20-24, 2024.

The participants included Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Program Leader/Project 2 Leader; Francisco T. Lutao Jr., Project 1 Leader; Ms. Lailanie Abalde, Project 3 Leader; Engr. Marilyn L. Bernabe, DABE Faculty; Ms. Noren Mae E. Felipe, Project Technical Aide I; Kient Jerwin V. Tungala, Project Administrative Aide I; and Raymund O. Lizada, Project Laborer I.

The training covered the selection of mother palms and pollen sources for on-farm coconut hybridization and hybrid mass production; an on-site evaluation and identification activity on a potential coconut farm within Zamboanga City; botanical and morphological descriptions of mother palms and pollen sources at the PCA-ZRC genebank; the past and current use in breeding work of individual mother palms and pollen sources in ZRC; and DNA marker technology as a tool for varietal identification and validation.

This activity is a critical component of CAPSU’s program titled "Utilization of Germplasm Collection at the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) for the Advancement of Coconut Hybridization in Western Visayas," led by Dr. Legaspi and funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The CAPSU team’s participation in this training underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices and contributing to the development of sustainable coconut hybridization techniques in Western Visayas.

CAPSU staff and faculty enhance skills in coconut hybridization at PCA training

Six project staff and faculty from Capiz State University (CAPSU) attended training on “Standard Hybridization Protocols through Assisted Pollination Technique, Pollen Production, Nursery Establishment, and Management Coupled with Good Agricultural Practices in Coconut” at the PCA-New Coconut Seed Production Center, Brgy. Aroman, Carmen, North Cotabato, from April 15-19, 2024.

Prof. Roger L. Berganio, Project Staff; Engr. Monalyn L. Oloroso, DABE Faculty; Ms. Heralyn D. Paderes, Project Technical Aid VI; Ms. Mecca Joy V. Pastrana, Project Utility Aid II; Mr. Ricardo B. Lavado, Project Laborer I; and Mr. Jolly L. Launio, Project Laborer I participated in the activity to enhance their expertise and skills in coconut hybridization and nursery management techniques.

The program included a combination of theoretical lectures and practical sessions on pollen collection and processing, laboratory operations, and standard hybridization protocols, with a special focus on the Assisted Pollination Technique. This ensured that participants gained both comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience, as well as learning about the management practices necessary for establishing successful hybrid plantations in line with Good Agricultural Practices.

This initiative is a critical component of CAPSU’s program titled "Utilization of Germplasm Collection at the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) for the Advancement of Coconut Hybridization in Western Visayas," led by Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi and funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The CAPSU team's participation in this training underscores the institution's commitment to advancing agricultural practices and contributing to the development of sustainable coconut hybridization techniques in Western Visayas.

📸: Ms. Justin Mary Mainding and Mr. Frederick Elon

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.

Coconut hybridization kicks off at CAPSU CBTU to boost local production

The hybridization activities of Project 2, titled "Utilization of the Coconut Breeding Trial Unit (CBTU) Germplasm Collection as Parent Materials and Pollen Sources for Hybrid Nut Production," have officially commenced at the CBTU in Burias, Mambusao, Capiz, on June 13, 2024.

This project aims to leverage the rich genetic diversity of local coconut varieties to produce high-yielding hybrids. The available germplasms being utilized as parent materials include Tacunan (32 trees), Catigan (41 trees), and Malayan Red Dwarf (21 trees). These are crossbred with pollen from Laguna Tall (37 trees), Tagnanan Tall (34 trees), and Baybay Tall (32 trees) to create the PCA hybrid varieties: PCA 15-2 (MRD x TAGT), PCA 15-10 (TACD x LAGT), and PCA 15-15 (CATD x BAYT).

The produced hybrids will be distributed to coconut farmers across the province to enhance local coconut production and address the challenges associated with hybrid coconut cultivation. This initiative marks a significant stride towards advancing coconut hybridization in Western Visayas.

The project is a crucial component of the broader program, "Utilization of the Coconut Germplasm Collection at the CBTU for the Advancement of Coconut Hybridization in Western Visayas," spearheaded by Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, the Program Leader and Project 2 Leader.

Scheduled to run for five years, Project 2 is backed by a budget of Php. 11,942,688.00, part of the Php. 25.7 million program fund provided by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The commencement of this project heralds a promising future for the local coconut industry, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape of Western Visayas and contributing to the economic well-being of its coconut farmers.