To ensure top quality agriculture products, the Department of Agriculture has inaugurated three research laboratories and one rice processing center in the province of Oriental Mindoro.
Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, on July 26, 2017 led the opening of the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory, and Regional Soils Laboratory in the municipality of Naujan, as part of his regular provincial rounds dubbed as “Biyaheng Bukid”.
“The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory aims to provide diagnostic services necessary for animal disease treatment, control and prevention, which are vital in the development of the livestock and poultry industry here, while the Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory will ensure the proper production, sale and distribution of quality and safe feeds,” Piñol said.
The Soils Laboratory, on the other hand, will provide physio-chemical analysis of soil to determine fertilization rates, soil classification, productive and suitability ratings, and environmental impact assessment.
Sec. Piñol also led the inauguration of a Rice Processing Center III (RPC III) situated in Sitio Curva, Sagana, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.
“It is the biggest RPC established in the MIMAROPA region,” Piñol said.
The RPC III provides access to efficient drying and milling facilities for the farmers of Bongabong and nearby municipalities.
The center is equipped with a drilling rig (P1.98M), transplanter (P220,000), four-wheel drive tractor (P900, 000), combine harvester (P1.95M), and a multi-purpose drying pavement (P249, 900).
“It is a community-based complex. The operation and maintenance will be handled by our farmers,” Piñol said.
To help farmers’ access hybridization, Piñol allotted P60 M under the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) credit program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). He also committed to provide additional building for the RPC and a cold storage facility for garlic and onion farmers of the municipality of Bulalakaw.
“We will provide trainings to interested farmers and assist you in modernizing your farming technique,” Piñol said.
During the event, the agri chief turned over a total of P60,169,406.41-worth of farming facilities, equipment and machineries.
In addition, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in MIMAROPA, distributed 50 fiberglass boats for the fisherfolks of the municipality of Naujan.
While in the province, Piñol led the groundbreaking ceremony for a fish hatchery facility in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
