Mango growers to boost production
ROXAS CITY -- Mango growers in Capiz have taken steps to improve their mango production for more income.
Information Officer-designate Teddy Buenvenida of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Capiz disclosed that the mango growers in the province have just concluded their season-long training here.
Buenvenida said that the activity was a partnership effort of the provincial government of Capiz and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
He added that among those who provided inputs to Capiceño mango growers were the representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Iloilo and the National Mango Research and Development Center in Guimaras.
Aside from lectures and demonstration activities, the participants to said training conducted an observation tour in Guimaras province, being known as the Mango Capital of the Philippines, Buenvenida said.
Included in the topics discussed in said training were flower induction, pesticide application, mango pests as well as mango processing.
During the closing ceremony last August 15, the Capiz mango growers association have also elected their officers with Regis Bisnar as its president.
Other officers include Jose Avelino III and Roel Roque Martinez as vice-presidents; Salvacion Legaspi as secretary; Myrna Belo, treasurer; Elizabeth Betito, assistant treasurer; Frank Patricio, business manager; Dolly Buday, PRO; Cristina Sabando, auditor; Freddie Fundal, peace officer; and Lilia Llantino, muse.
Earlier, the Department of Science and Technology has sponsored a consultant from the University of the Philippines to look into the problem of some mango growers in Capiz.
The move was also in response to the growing demand for mango in other countries, like China.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap revealed that with the recent acceptance of the cheaper system for disinfection against fruitfly, it is expected that there would be a significant increase of sale of Philippine mangoes to China.
Meanwhile, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco vowed to support the undertakings of the Capiz Mango Growers Association, especially in enhancing mango production in Capiz, particularly the purchase of a Hot Water Treatment equipment. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)