Rubber farmers and stakeholders from the different parts of the country have participated in the recently concluded National Rubber Summit held in Kidapawan City, Province of Cotabato.
Spearheaded by the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) through its Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Lazaga Eusala and the Department of Agriculture 12 (DA 12), the summit focused on educating participants about the latest advancements and techniques in rubber cultivation, harvesting, processing, and product development, aiming to improve efficiency, sustainability, and the overall quality of rubber production through innovative practices and research findings.
The summit was also highlighted with a familiarization tour at Advance Rubber Technology Farm owned by Alfonso Jack Sandique. Advance Rubber Technology Farm is one of the large-scale rubber farms in the province of Cotabato.
In her message, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” T. Mendoza emphasized that as one of the top rubber-producing provinces in the country, such gathering is important to further develop the rubber industry in the province.
Mendoza added that it is an opportunity for stakeholders to share their knowledge about best practices and innovative technologies that can help farmers boost rubber production.
“This summit serves as a venue to address challenges like global price fluctuations and climate risks while exploring opportunities for innovation, market expansion, and global competitiveness,” Mendoza said.
The gathering was graced by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., officials from DA 12, and international partners.
In 2021, Cotabato produced 143,000 metric tons (MT) of coagulated cup lumps, the rubber’s natural form before it is processed, according to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
Mendoza said Cotabato aims to be a leading rubber producer as well as an exporter of natural rubber-based products.
