Government moves to strengthen local rubber industry

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) has secured multiple collaborations to strengthen the country’s rubber industry and enhance the support for rubber-related interventions in the country. 

The Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) will transfer its rubber-related interventions to PRRI amounting to P20 million next year which aims to further strengthen the research and development efforts in the rubber industry. 

The fund transfer was proposed during the third Cluster of the Series of Technical Review Workshops (TRW) for the FY 2024 plan and budget proposals held last month and was subject to the approval of the DA-HVCDP. 

DA-HVCDP national director Glenn Panganiban, who also serves as the executive director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), agreed with the proposal.

Meanwhile, PRRI executive director Cheryl Eusala is also pushing to implement biosecurity measures to combat the emerging Pestalotiopsis threat in the rubber industry. 

She proposed the deputization training for PRRI and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) who will be deployed to quarantine posts.

This measure aims to bolster the biosecurity measures of PRRI and BPI against the Pestalotiopsis threat. 

The PRRI and BPI officials also agreed to formulate an administrative order on quarantine guidelines for the management of pestalotiopsis disease in rubber.

This administrative order will provide a framework for preventing the spread of the disease and protecting the country’s rubber industry from potential losses. 

To further ensure the continued success of the country’s rubber industry, the PRRI also explored collaborative efforts and potential partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the College of Public Affairs and Development-University of the Philippines, Los Baños (CPAf-UPLB). 

The DOST-PCAARRD expressed willingness to provide full support to the PRRI in research collaborations with PRRI. 

The discussions were centered around mutual support and the exchange of expertise to further advance research and development in the field of rubber production. 

Meanwhile, CPAf-UPLB dean Rowena Baconguis pledged their support to PRRI and expressed their readiness to provide assistance and expertise in various research initiatives. 

Their possible partnerships will focus on the areas of research and extension projects. 

 CPAf-UPLB also extended its commitment to conduct training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of PRRI personnel. 

According to PRRI, these collaborative efforts with DOST-PCAARRD and UPLB signify a collective commitment to advancing the rubber industry through research, development, and capacity-building initiatives. 

As the PRRI continues to actively pursue partnerships with leading organizations and institutions, it seeks to fortify its position as a center of excellence in rubber research and development.