DOST-FPRDI Personnel led by Dr. Loreto A. Novicio, For. Junser P. Magpantay and Dr. Hernando D. Robles, CvSU president, pose for a photo after the courtesy call.
by JLB Herrera
The Sugar Palm Research, Information, and Trade (SPRINT) Center facilitated two meetings that introduced the current initiatives of CvSU on utilizing the potential of kaong with the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Product, Research, Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and the Magallanes Business Owners Cooperative (MBOCC) last March 15, 2023 at Cavite State University - Don Severino de las Alas Campus, Indang, Cavite.
Five personnel from DOST-FPRDI, namely, Dr. Loreto A. Novicio, For. Aralyn L. Quintos, and For. Jefferson Rey M. Roxas, researchers from the Technology Innovation Division, and four from MBOCC attended the said meeting.
During the said meetings, For. Junser P. Magpantay, director of the SPRINT Center discussed the role of the center in promoting a sustainable, equitable, and environment-friendly kaong industry. He also introduced the uses and economic importance of the kaong plant.
After their meeting, DOST-FPRDI made a courtesy call to Dr. Hernando D. Robles, the university president. The said institute is currently conducting a project titled “Development of High-Value Products Derived from Senile Sugar Palms (Arenga pinnata).” The institute has asked for a collaboration with the SPRINT Center by providing 20 senile kaong trees whose trunks will be used as the material for the study.
On the other hand, MBOCC aims to forge a partnership with the SPRINT Center by becoming one of its technology adaptors. The cooperative was organized in 2019 in Magallanes, Cavite. It is actively assisting member entrepreneurs by directing them to different agencies in terms of product development and marketing. They currently have members who are engaged in kaong farming.
Officers of the Magallanes Business Owners Cooperative and Mr. Junser P. Magpantay (in a blue formal shirt) stand in front of a kaong plant located in front of the SPRINT Center.
Overall, both parties agreed to establish a Memorandum of Agreement with the SPRINT CENTER. The outcomes of the said agreements will provide a more structured and sustainable kaong farming and industry. It will benefit kaong-dependent communities through the transfer of kaong technologies, thereby, creating job opportunities. #SPRINTCenter
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