MANILA, Philippines - From its humble beginnings 25 years ago, PhilRice Agusan stands today with a strong foundation in creating impacts on farmers and its surrounding communities in Northern Mindanao.
With the theme Reaping the Silver, Sowing for Gold, PhilRice Agusan celebrated its 25th anniversary last Aug. 7-8.
Among the highlights of the celebration was the groundbreaking ceremony of the P12 million building for the station’s laboratory and lodging facilities.
Since its establishment in August 1990, the station has already trained more than 10,000 farmers and technologists on rice production and has been involved in local and national projects funded by various institutions.
PhilRice Agusan researchers have done massive work on pest and nutrient management. Research on Metarhizium anisopliae, a biocontrol agent that attacks rice black bug (RBB), and on zinc deficiency are among PhilRice Agusan’s major contributions to rice research in the Philippines.
The local tourism council in Caraga also recognized the station as a tourist destination because of its picturesque landscapes and facilities.
Led by branch director Abner Montecalvo, the station currently maintains more than 50 hectares of seed production and rice experiment areas. It has nearly 100 personnel.
“I am very happy to know that the management and staff of PhilRice Agusan has been doing a great job and plans to do a lot more. They have showed how well they maximize their resources and handle the challenges in this region,” said Calixto M. Protacio, newly appointed executive director at PhilRice.