The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) announced details of its exhibit in the upcoming National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) from July 24-28, 2015 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Bearing the theme “Strategic Industry Program for Agricultural Growth (SIPAG) ni Juan,” the PCAARRD exhibit will basically highlight how science and technology (S&T) is infused in agri-aqua-natural resource commodities to improve productivity, product quality, and profitability and thus raise the living standards of farmers, fishermen, and others.

The exhibit will feature the following commodities: banana, mud crabs, abaca, goat, and the plant growth promoter.

According to DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa, the plant growth promoter involves the use of radiation-modified oligo-kappa-carrageenan from algae/seaweed and oligo-chitosan from crab and shrimp shell for crop’s yield and nutrient intake, resistance to disease and bacteria and increase in production.

Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat State University Professor Dr. Ruby Hechanova explained the Halal goat industry, its relevance to the Muslims and how science was infused to Halal goat production to ensure authenticity of Halal products.

Science and technology was also tapped by UPLB, PCAARRD and its partners to address major setbacks faced by the Philippine abaca industry. According to Dr. Antonio Lalusin, project leader of UPLB-Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Cluster, this resulted to development, rehabilitation and promotion of improved abaca varieties to strengthen commercial production and help the farmers.

Also to be featured is a video of Benham Rise, declared as part of the Philippine Extended Continental Shelf and now under the PCAARRD-funded program Exploration, Mapping and Assessment of Deep Water Areas.  Backed by researchers, scientists and seasoned dive specialists from different universities, the program seeks further exploration of resources available in the territory.

The other panelists were UPLB - Institute of Plant Breeding researcher Dr. Lavernee Gueco, Southeast Asian Fisheries Department scientist Dr. Fe Dolores Estepa, and Dr. Cesar Villanoy of UP Diliman- Marine Science Institute.

For details on NSTW and its exhibits and activities, visit nstw.dost.gov.ph.  (S&T Media Service)