The Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) officially conducted the inception meeting for three newly funded projects under the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) through the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR). These projects aim to enhance agricultural innovation, processing, and propagation efforts in the region.
The three funded projects are as follows:
1. Rehabilitation of the ASIST Tissue Culture Laboratory
Funding: ₱5 million
Project Leader: Dr. Nero M. Paderes
Co-Project Leader: Ms. Kae Ann P. Balibgit
Objective: To modernize ASIST's laboratory facility and enhance the production of quality, disease-free planting materials (e.g., banana, bamboo).
Expected Outcome: Strengthened propagation capacity supporting local farmers and research initiatives.
2. Rehabilitation of the ASIST Mango Processing Center
Funding: ₱3.4 million
Project Leader: Dr. Bersheeba L. Taclawan
Objective: To revive and upgrade mango processing equipment and infrastructure for value-added production.
Expected Outcome: Improved product development and income-generating opportunities for mango growers and student entrepreneurs.
3. Increasing Availability of Quality Coffee Seedlings in Licuan-Baay through Sexual Propagation
Funding: ₱3.9 million
Project Leader: Forester Reynald Islao
Objective: To propagate genetically diverse and high-quality coffee seedlings using sexual propagation techniques.
Expected Outcome: Expanded coffee production capacity in upland areas and promotion of sustainable agroforestry.
The meeting was attended by key personnel from the Department of Agriculture, headed by Engr. Arvin Dela Cruz, Engr. Kristan Deo Rodriguez, Mr. Mart Limuel Moises, and Ms. Rowena Florentino. The DA team conducted ocular inspections of the rehabilitation sites and field locations and presented the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Guidelines, deliverables, and documentation requirements.
The event was graced by ASIST President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for entrusting ASIST with these strategic development projects. He emphasized that these initiatives align with ASIST’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture and rural development in Abra.
Also present were Dr. Pablo B. Bose Jr., Director for Research and Development, and representatives from the Budget, Accounting, and Procurement Offices, ensuring institutional readiness for sound fiscal and administrative execution.
To ensure long-term sustainability, ASIST commits to integrating the outcomes of the projects into its ongoing research, extension, and production programs. Moreover, collaboration with local farmers, cooperatives, and LGUs will be pursued to maximize community impact and technology adoption.
These DA-ACEF projects signify a strong partnership between ASIST and the Department of Agriculture in building resilient agricultural systems and fostering innovation-led development in the province.
