The Research Division of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) organized an in-house review of conducted studies for the Philippine fibercrops last June 1-5, 2015 in Quezon City.
Presented for review and evaluation were six (6) completed researches and twenty two (22) on-going researches. Twenty three (23) research posters were also put-up in an exhibit.
Invited panel evaluators were Dr. Calixto M. Protacio (Director, UPLB, Crop Science Cluster), Dr. Vermando M. Aquino (Professor, UP Diliman NIMBB), Mr. Ricarte V. Castro (DA-Bureau odf Agricultural Research), Dr. Olympio B. Macarayan (Director, PhilFIDA Regional Office XIII), and Dr. Edison C. Riñen (Director, PhilFIDA Regional Office I & CAR).
Adjudged winners by the panel of evaluators were the following:
- Best Completed Research
Bioremediation and Nutrient Cycling in Abaca
Presented by Zabdiel L. Zacarias, Regional Office XI
First Runner Up
Properties of Biocomposites from Abaca Fiber (Musa textilis Nee) and Recycled Polyropylene
Presented by Mary Ann L. Pedrosa, FUTD
Second Runner Up
The Effect of Low Temperature Plasma Treatment on the Dye Uptake, Physical and Chemical Properties of Abaca (Musa textilis Nee) Fiber
Presented by Myrna M. Nualla, FUTD
- Best On-going Research
Determination of the Extent of Pollen-Mediated Gene Flow in the Transgenic Cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. Varieties with the Bt Fusion Gene Cry 1ab-ac (GFM Cry 1a)
Presented by Evangeline C. Cabigan, Regional Office I
First Runner Up
Germplasm Collection, Conservation and Evaluation of Cotton (Gossypium sp.) C.Y. 2013-2015
Presented by Mildred E. Barroga, Regional Office I
Second Runner Up
Production of Abaca Plant Using Female Inflorescence
Presented by Leny C. Galvez (CO-Research Division) and Amor E. Anadia, Regional Office VIII
- Best Research Poster
Field Evaluation of Abaca Derived from Different Subcultures (Region V)
Emma O. Oloteo, Regional Office V
During the event, OIC-Executive Director Clarito Barron, emphasized that the research experts of the Philippine fiber industry must focus on five (5) priority study areas: farming systems; engineering; genebanking and multi-locational trials of BT cotton for NSIC registration; crop protection (varieties with virus resistance and bio-pesticide plants); & development of new products that would benefit the farmers and other members of the community. He underscored that research studies should address the persistent problems of the industry – low farm income, low fiber productivity and inconsistent fiber quality. All research experts were encouraged to develop technologies that could be effectively disseminated to the level of farmers for adoption. He further said that research studies must aim to develop technologies in line with the advocacy on climate change and ASEAN Economic Integration, should nurture the country’s commercial fibercrops and must sustain and protect the Philippine fiber industry and the environment.
