Delegates from the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology successfully completed a four-day Lakatan Banana Tissue Culture Training and Benchmarking Activity at Quirino State University, held from August 26–29, 2025 at the RDET Complex.
The training was spearheaded by QSU’s Banana Research and Development Center (BRRDC) under the leadership of Ms. Elizabeth R. Oppuer, Center Chief of the Tissue Culture Laboratory, and provided ASIST faculty and staff with intensive lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and hands-on sessions on Lakatan banana tissue culture and plant propagation technologies.
In his welcome remarks, QSU President Dr. Hermenegildo F. Samoy Jr. underscored the importance of institutional partnerships in advancing agricultural sustainability. Dr. Elizabeth T. Carig, Vice President for Academic, Research and Extension, further emphasized QSU’s commitment to extending its research expertise in tissue culture to partner institutions.
ASIST President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr. expressed full support for the participation of the delegation, recognizing the training as a vital step in strengthening the Institute’s research and extension capabilities on lakatan tissue culture. Leading the delegation were Dr. Noel B. Begnalen, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Pablo B. Bose, Director for Research and Development, and Dr. Nero M. Paderes, AFTIICC Director, together with faculty and staff participants.
The completion of this training marks a significant milestone for ASIST as it builds capacity in Lakatan banana tissue culture research and extension, paving the way for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable agricultural development.
