Cotabato allocates P5.5 M for upgrading laboratory facilities

The Provincial Government of Cotabato has appropriated P5.5 M for the strengthening of two laboratory facilities in the Province of Cotabato under the Agriculturang Pinoy (Agri-Pinoy) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in a memorandum of agreement signing at the provincial governor’s office held last January 12, 2012.
Recognizing the importance of upgrading the existing laboratory facilities to accomplish the Agri-Pinoy program objectives, Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Tali?o-Mendoza has extended financial assistance to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Office XII (DA-RFO12) headed by Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan, for the enhancement of the Amas Soils Laboratory and the Balindog Tissue Culture Laboratory amenities.
Provided with up-to-date tools, supplies, and equipment, the Tissue Culture laboratory in Balindog, Kidapawan City will be producing twenty-five thousand (25,000) pieces of high-quality Lacatan and Cardava Banana potted seedlings which will be distributed by the Cotabato PLGU to marginal farmers in the province.
On the other hand, the Soils Laboratory located in DA-CEMIARC Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City shall provide technical assistance to farmers on the interpretation of the results of laboratory analyses and will be rendering soil pH analysis (acidity and basicity), organic matter, Phosphorus and Potassium and Fertilizer Assay per request of farmer clients free of charge.
The Agri-Pinoy Program works in partnership and active participation with national government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Farmer Organizations (FO), and private stakeholders in providing agricultural development focused on food security and self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, natural resource management and local development.
The Amas Soils Laboratory and Balindog Tissue Culture Laboratory upgrading will cost P1M and P4.5M, respectively.//IDCD-LAF//