By Niño S. Manaog
University Extension Associate
Capiz State University
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| Capiz State University maintains ten campuses across the province of Capiz. |
In the 2011 Regional Techno Gabay (TG) Summit led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) held on May 25–26, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City, the Capiz State University (CapSU) research and extension services were featured, along with the products of its Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers.
Led by TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra, the CapSU booth featured the engineered bamboo of MS Randy Fancubila of FITS Dumalag. MS Fancubila showcased bamboo table, trophies and sample bamboo planks, much to the curiosity and delight of walk-in visitors. Navarra’s team also brought the abaca ropes and woven materials from FITS Jamindan and abaca plant sampled from the farm of MS Igmedio Llamelo.
CapSU featured the novelty products and accessories made from coconut shells of FITS Ivisan, the vermicast bags from FITS Panay, indigenous micro-organism (IMO) used as foliar fertilizers from FITS Dao, and fisheries brochures prepared by FITS OPA Capiz. FITS Ivisan’s coco shell products are manufactured by prospective MS Roosevelt Villarde of the town, while the production of FITS Dao’s IMO foliar fertilizers is led by their Technology Services Specialist (TSS) Genes Estialbo.
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| CapSU's new FITS centers with their respective focus commodities. |
CapSU brought the products of the FITS Centers to open opportunities for processors and producers and usher their products into wider and bigger markets.Guided by the events theme, “Science and Technology in Every Product
According to TG TL Navarra, the partner member agency and this type of activities is the best link of the said products to potential markets and buyers. CapSU’s initiative is hinged on the consortium’s Technomart modality which aims to bring the commodities and technologies to the general public. In the two-day exposure of the CapSU FITS’ products, “we expect that Ivisan’s coco shells find bigger buyers, and Dumalag’s engineered bamboo locate potential market niches to which it can supply,” Navarra said.
The effort was supported by FITS centers led by their respective managers, namely: Ronelyn De Tomas of Dumalag, Susan Dordas of Dao, Remedios Llamelo of Jamindan, Audie Belargo of OPA Capiz, Letecia Andrada of Ivisan, Jun Hiceta of Panay and Leonardo Barcenas of President Roxas.
