DA-BAR OIC-director Joell H. Lales met various local agricultural sectors in Zamboanga del Norte on 15 December 2022 to discuss the possible strengthening of adlay program in the province. 

Maria Melba B. Wee, DA Zamboanga Peninsula regional technical director for Research, Regulatory; John Paul Guadalupe, technical staff; representatives from Western Mindanao State University (WSMU), and Mutia Adlay Farmers Association were present during the assessment and scoping activities of the adlay program. 

Apolonia Mendoza, technical staff from Research Coordination Division, emphasized that this activity is important in tapping the possible potential of adlay in the market and come up with plans to revitalize the adlay program in the province. 

OIC-director Lales, on one hand, said that the activity signifies the bureau’s desire in bringing research for development (R4D) to the farmers and fishers. 

“We have resources pero kailangang i-tap namin ang partner institutions para magbuo ng programa at mag-implement ng programa para sa Department of Agriculture, and ultimately for the benefit of the agriculture sector, especially the farmers,” said Lales. 

“Ang activity po na ito, I would like to emphasize that this is, this will be for the community of our farmers, producers, those who are deeply involved in the [adlay] industry. Para sa inyo po itong magiging programa,” he added. 

Among discussed were the marketing issues of adlay, improving the shelf life of adlay grits, postharvest facilities, and possible tie-up ventures with other sectors. 

“This is a very important activity for everyone, lalo na sa ating magiging partners and beneficiaries, ang ating mga farmers,” OIC-director Lales said. (### Kathleen Mae B. Bulquerin)