The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and Tamagawa University (TU) of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), tackled key issues and concerns in banana and cacao production, with a focus on disease management, during an International Forum held today, September 27, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Quezon City.
The event brought together various stakeholders from the industry to discuss challenges and solutions. Dubbed as the 1st International Stakeholders’ Forum of Banana and Cacao Diseases Management (BaCaDM) in the Philippines, Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, CLSU President and BaCaDM Project Director, delivered an opening message recognizing the crucial roles of all stakeholders involved in this JICA-funded project.
In his speech, President Abella emphasized the vital importance of active participation and commitment from all stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives. He assured the attendees that CLSU remains fully committed to supporting the initiative, aiming to benefit not only the banana and cacao industries but also the workers and consumers who rely on them.
“CLSU will stay committed to innovative efforts in agricultural research and development and in harnessing our international linkages for programs and projects like this that will benefit the people not only in our local communities but all over the world,” said Dr. Abella.
The forum was attended by researchers from CLSU and TU, representatives from JICA, Officers from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, banana and cacao producers, and importers group, as well as the heads of agencies under DA-led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., represented by DA-BPI Director, Dr. Glenn Gerard Panganiban. Also present were Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, VP for Administration and Deputy Project Director, Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Project Manager along with the Project leaders and staff Dr. Elaida R. Fiegalan, Dr. Garry Benico, and Dr. Jay C. Santos.
