BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), opened the P21 million Philippine Citrus Resources Development Center to boost the industry and income of citrus farmer in Nueva Vizcaya.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., who was the guest of honor and speaker during the inauguration of the facility, stressed the government’s strong endorsement for the establishment of the citrus development hub.
He announced that following the successful Phase 1 funding of P21 million, an additional P52.2 million will be allocated for Phase 2, which will expand the facility for three years.
“We want to ensure that NVSU will continue to monitor citrus diseases while enhancing the quality and sustainability of citrus farming,” Solidum said.
According to the DOST Secretary, the NVSU was selected because of their expertise for the commodity.
Meanwhile, Wilfredo Dumale Jr, NVSU president, said the citrus development hub aims to strengthen the local citrus industry through science-based solutions.
He said the facility will focus on developing pest and disease-resistant varieties, producing high-quality planting materials, and providing technical assistance to citrus farmers and stakeholders.
“By addressing challenges such as pest infestations, low productivity, and limited access to quality seedlings, the center is expected to boost the competitiveness of Philippine citrus products and enhance the livelihoods of citrus growers, particularly in Nueva Vizcaya — regarded as the Citrus Capital of the Philippines,” Dumale said.
Dumale also assured that with the establishment of the PCDRC, the citrus virus that devastated the plantations in Malabing Valley in the early 2000 in Kasibu town will no longer be repeated.
“In 2003, a researcher from NVSU first identified the virus, later validated by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. That was when our citrus program formally began,” he said.
Nueva Vizcaya contributes 70 percent of Cagayan Valley’s citrus yield and 50 percent of the national supply.
The Citrus Festival is being celebrated yearly by villagers and officials of Kasibu to promote the product and its eco-agri and cultural-tourism potentials and thank the Almighty for the continued blessings to the farmers and the municipality. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)
