The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has started operating the Php 35.52 million-worth Garlic and other Agri-Food Condiments Research and Development (R&D) center this year. 

Launched last April 30, the research hub aims to increase the competitiveness of garlic and other condiments such as multiplier onion, ginger, black pepper, and turmeric in the market, and to develop a successful chain of production and processing.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Science for Change Program (S4CP)-Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) and monitored by DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), all the S&T interventions of the center will operate through the complementation of five projects which will be implemented from 2021 to 2024.

Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, program leader, shared the program aims to collect, characterize, conserve, and improve garlic and chili genetic resources in the Philippines; improve garlic and other agri-food condiments productivity through integrated crop management system; develop and evaluate a village level low-cost storage structure for garlic; enhance usability and profitability of garlic through black garlic processing; and identify the key strategies in improving the competitiveness of the local garlic through value chain analysis of garlic in the country. 

“Through these activities, we expect to establish a centralize seed and quality monitoring system of improved and virus-free garlic planting materials, to reduce postharvest losses, and to increase local supply of garlic, net income of farmers, and area of production,” he expressed.

He also hopes that the project will actively generate and enhance the technical competency of local government units (LGUs) and other research institutions to create a vibrant market opportunity for garlic.

The project leaders are Ms. Noralyn Legaspi, Dr. Bucao, Engr. Michael Duldulao, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, and Ms. Sheena Marie Joy Lidora, respectively. 

The launching was done through an online inception meeting between the officials of the PCAARRD, DOST Central Office and Region I, and MMSU. Attendees were Dr. Feliciano G. Calora, PCAARRD R&D deputy executive director; Dr. Edna A. Anit, the agency's crops research division director; Ms. Anya Yasmin A. Roslin, S4CP head; Mr. Gilbert M. Poralan, Jr., S4CP-NICER program manager; Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, DOST-R1 director; Dr. Agrupis, MMSU president; Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) program leader; other PCAARRD staff and the MMSU program team members. It was hosted by Ms. Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang, PCAARRD’s science research specialist. – Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. (StratCom)