Ceremonial Planting of Bt Cottonseeds in Mallig, Isabela

Date Posted 11 January 2024

After years of anticipation for the planting of Bt Cotton in the Philippines, which has proven to yield double the output and superior fiber quality compared to the currently recommended variety. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) held a historic ceremonial planting on December 28, 2023, at the Bt-Cotton Demo-Farm, Brgy. Trinidad ,Mallig, Isabela.

The event was led by Dr. Leny C. Galvez, Project Manager of the Cotton Project Management Committee, together with the PhilFIDA Regional Office I staff and Dr. Edison C. Riñen, one of the pioneers in the evaluation of Bt-Cotton, and supported by the Local Government Unit (LGU) headed by Hon. Mayor Jose Phillip F. Calderon. Also, present were the officers and members of the Mallig Small Water Impounding – Small Water Irrigation System Association, Incorporated (MSWIP-SWISAI), represented by Barangay Council Member Arnel Manuel.

The one-hectare demo-farm, prepared by the farmers with 180 furrowed seed beds for the Bt-Cotton Development Project, marked a significant step in promoting this advanced variety.

This initiative reflects PhilFIDA’s continuous commitment to supporting the development of the cotton industry not only in Region I but also throughout the country.