Officials of UP Mindanao and the Department of Agriculture-XI made plans to collaborate in research and other projects in an informal discussion on campus on January 16, 2025. DA-XI’s Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Marie Ann Constantino and RTD for Research Zabdiel Zacarias met with Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, vice-chancellors Leo Manuel Estana and OIC Jennifer Fronteras, deans Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, Cleto Nanola Jr., and Aurelia Luzviminda Gomez, land management chief Joel Sagadal, and Prof. Larry Digal.
Prof. Digal presented UPMin’s agribusiness initiatives under the Agri-Aqua Value Chain Lab and the agricultural commodities under its study, such as coffee, cacao, and bananas.
In the subsequent discussions, the two teams reached a consensus to collaborate for research in high-value crops, primarily cacao. The DA-XI officials stated their desire to create the cacao industry roadmap for Davao City. The parties also discussed cardava bananas and coconut for prospective research collaboration.
Secondly, the two parties considered further improvement of the Mindanao miniature cattle development program, a joint project between UPMin and DA-XI. The DA-XI envisioned the genetic enhancement of the miniature cattle breed, with a prospective partnership with the City Agriculturist’s Office, possibly in the UP Marilog land reservation.
Finally, the parties discussed the UP Mindanao Knowledge Innovation Science and Technology (KIST) Park and the prospective participation of DA-XI in this project.
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