(The Provincial Government of Northern Samar Facebook)
TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Northern Samar has opened a new tissue culture laboratory in Catarman to produce disease-free planting materials and strengthen the province’s agricultural productivity, particularly in its abaca industry.
The Provincial Tissue Culture Laboratory, located at the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (PAFEC) in Barangay Galutan, Catarman, was formally inaugurated on June 8.
Supported by the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 8, the facility is expected to help rehabilitate and expand abaca plantations, one of Northern Samar’s key agricultural industries. It will also produce quality planting materials for banana, ube, and taro to improve crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices.
Governor Harris Ongchuan led the inauguration ceremony together with representatives of partner agencies, including Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Joseph Salas, Department of Agriculture Agricultural Program Coordinating Office-Northern Samar representative Engr. Jennifer Surio, and Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Mimosa Regis.
Officials and personnel from PhilFIDA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Provincial Agriculture Office also attended the event.
The Provincial Agriculture Office facilitated the activity, with Provincial Agriculturist Jose Luis Acompanado leading a tour of the laboratory and the PAFEC complex.
The facility is the second tissue culture laboratory in Northern Samar, complementing the existing laboratory operated by the University of Eastern Philippines.
Provincial officials said the laboratory forms part of the local government’s continuing efforts to modernize agriculture, improve the quality of planting materials, and increase the productivity and income of farmers across the province.
They added that the project is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Northern Samar’s farming communities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
