Hinunangan: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has inaugurated an abaca tissue culture laboratory at the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) - Hinunangan Campus to bolster high-value crop production in the region. The initiative is backed by PHP1 million in funding from the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program and aims to generate high-quality, disease-free planting materials to improve crop yields, stated DOST Secretary Renato Solidum during an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Solidum emphasized the importance of starting with healthy planting material to ensure good production. The newly established facility will also act as a center for research and development focusing on indigenous and high-value crops, aiding sustainable agricultural practices through innovation. The initial focus of the laboratory is on the Inosa variety of abaca, a crop well-suited to Southern Leyte's environment.
The use of tissue culture techniques in the lab is intended to expedite the propagation of abaca and enhance the quality of planting materials for local farmers. SLSU officials have reported successful culture of additional Inosa abaca specimens, which is expected to advance the project's mission of increasing the production of this high-value crop in the province. The establishment of the laboratory is anticipated to significantly boost SLSU-Hinunangan's contribution to scientific research and innovation in the region.
