To help increase the production of priority commodities in MIMAROPA, four facilities in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro were rehabilitated and established under the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project titled, Enhancing Technology Transfer and Capacities in the MIMAROPA Region, lodged under the Bayanihan 2.
Inaugurated on 4 October 2021, these facilities were: Food/Fruit Processing Laboratory, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Lakatan Banana Tissue Culture Nursery, and Solar Power System.
First, the Food/Fruit Processing Laboratory was rehabilitated to serve as a venue for processing and value-adding of potential crops in the region, as well as training for interested beneficiaries.
Second, the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory was rehabilitated to enhance the production of banana and garlic tissue culture planting materials for distribution to farmers and other stakeholders in the region.
Third, three units of the Lakatan Banana Tissue Culture Nursery Shed were rehabilitated. The said plant nursery was established to support the mass propagation of the Lakatan banana quality planting materials.
Lastly, the Solar Power System was installed as an alternative source of electricity in the station, as well as to promote green technology in performance of research for development.
Attending the inauguration were DA-MIMAROPA officials: regional executive director Antonio G. Gerundio, regional technical director Dr. Louella Rowena J. Lorenzana, Research Division chief Marissa R. Luna, and Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center station head Coleta C. Quindong.
Joining them were DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry assistant director for operation Dr. Jonar I. Yago.