31st National Fruit Symposium sets Filipino farmers eyes on the global market
The 31st National Fruit Symposium was attended by a record breaking 180 participants at the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, marking the stakeholders’ strong support for this year’s event that is geared towards globalization.
With the theme is “Adapting Fruit and Selected Plantation Crops Research, Innovation, and Extension Initiatives to Meet Changing Local and Global Market Needs,” the event was graced by PFA President, Ms. Carolyn E. Alcasid and Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, President of the Central Mindanao University who delivered his Welcome Address. Also present in the event is RCPC Center Chief, Ms. Lucille T. Menguez who represented the keynote speaker, Engr. Roger V. Navarro, the current DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization. Among the highlights of this year’s event was the launching of the “Training Manual on Mango Production in the Philippines" by CropLife Philippines in partnership with PhilFruits Association, Inc. Participants also learned from the plenary sessions of Dr. Guinevere I. Ortiz, Postharvest Scientist of The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., with her topic "Trends in Fruit Production in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Opportunities", and Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, Professor Emeritus of University of Southern Mindanao who delivered a talk on "Cacao Bean Fermentation, Drying, and Grading: Innovations with Implications to Growers, Processors, Products and Market". |