MANILA — To benefit most people, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will simplify the technologies it is showcasing at the World Trade Center in Pasay City for this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 17-21.
“We want these to be understood even by elementary and college students,” Edwin Villar, PCAARRD acting deputy executive director for Research and Development, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Villar said PCAARRD’s exhibit showcases the things that could be done in the livestock and marine industries.
“Visitors can see, for instance, what technology can do to have goat extenders. We also have a diagnostic kit that can detect the authenticity of mangoes,” he remarked.
Villar explained that these technologies are important for ordinary individuals. “If you’ll buy a planting material, the vendor may tell you that it’s a real ‘carabao mango’. It will take three to five years before you’ll see that it’s an ‘Indian mango’, for example. Our diagnostic kit will let you identify the authenticity of the planting material,” he explained.
For the aquatic industry, PCAARRD highlights the “longline” method of growing mussel culture.
“This (method) produces more mussels, and this is cheaper,” Villar said.
He added that the method uses a polypropylene rope.
According to the agency, the usual way of growing mussels in the country is through the “stake” method, where young mussels could freely attach to bamboo poles that were placed in coastal areas. Since no bamboo poles are used in the “longline” method, it will not cause sedimentation in the culture areas, PCAARRD added.
Meanwhile, Villar is inviting everyone to visit PCAARRD’s exhibit, noting that the agency has live specimen and diorama to show. The agency has also prepared various fora and seminars during the NSTW.
“We have also designated some scientists and staff to explain to our visitors the things they may want to know in our industry,” he said. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
