IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, March 13 - - -Over 100 participants attended the regional rubber stakeholders’ forum held recently in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The Department of Agriculture RFU9 and Department of Trade and Industry jointly conducted a forum to gather rubber stakeholders and rubber processors for consultation to finalize the regional Value Chain Map for Rubber Crumb.
During the opening program, RED Eduardo Holoyohoy said that rubber is an important commodity and a priority commodity under the DA- High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), where “we are expecting more lands to be planted with rubber.” “Rubber is one of the best alternatives to reforestation.” he said.
The forum, held in coordination with other agencies presented Updates of the National Greening Program (DENR), Rubber market-opportunities, investment priority plans (Board of Investment), Rubber Roadmap (DA) and the Value Chain Map Analysis (DTI).
Topping the issues and concerns yet to be resolved is the widespread use of “battery solution” as coagulant that makes inferior quality rubber. Despite the passing of the Provincial and municipal ordinances in the total banning/ stop usage on the use of Battery Solution in rubber, there is still the need to correct this malpractice of rubber farmers.
Moreover, the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) will open a special course on Rubber Tapping, where rubber tappers will be properly trained and given license and certification.
Among those present in supporting for the maintenance and sustainability of the rubber industry in Zamboanga were DTI Asst. Dir. Sittie Amina Jain, DA-AMAD Chief Ferdinand Gamorot, Regional Rubber Research Coordinator Engr Roger Bagaforo, DTI Provincial Director Edito Lumacang, Dante Oporto (DENR), Engr Nestor Arcansalin (BOI), Ferdinand Lazo (FIDA), Mr. Bonnie Tan (Makilala, Cotabato), Mr. Jun Calmohoy, Mr. Orlando Sta. Teresa, Mayor Joel Maturan and other representatives from DA, TESDA, and DOLE. (DA9/PIA9/ALT)