In a shining example of commitment to local agricultural progress, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) Castilla’s Pili Extension team recently conducted a successful two-day monitoring of dispersed pili seedlings in Brgy. Salvacion. Held from September 5-6, 2024, this initiative exemplifies SorSU’s steadfast dedication to empowering farmers, enhancing pili production through continuous field assessments, and providing vital technical support.
The monitoring process was centered on positive growth outcomes, evaluating key indicators of seedling health such as height, canopy size, girth, and leaf count. By examining soil fertility and environmental factors, the team gathered invaluable data, which allowed them to offer tailored advice to each farmer. These personalized insights are essential to ensuring optimal growth, nurturing healthier seedlings, and, ultimately, promising abundant future harvests. Farmer feedback during the monitoring also sparked meaningful dialogue, with participants sharing their triumphs and challenges, further enabling the SorSU team to craft focused strategies for success.
The monitoring was spearheaded by a dedicated team of experts, including Dr. Oscar Peter Pascual, Dr. Cristy Jintalan, Ms. Maribel Nolla, Ms. Alet Bacelonia, Mr. Rey Ariola, Mr. Lester Lleva, and Mr. Brian Gabriel J. Buenaobra. Joining them were Extension Director Dr. Ana Cristina Fortes, Castilla Extension Coordinator Ms. Ira M. Habla, and extension staff Ms. Shiela Duka and Ms. Lea Calleja. Their collective efforts showcase the university’s adaptability and determination to address farmers’ evolving needs, fine-tuning extension programs to keep pace with the growing demands of pili cultivation.
Central to this initiative is the ongoing project “Massive Seedling Production and Distribution under Bayanihan II: Establishment Center,” funded by the Department of Agriculture and overseen by Dr. Pascual at the Pili Center of Sorsogon State University. This program not only equips farmers with the resources they need but also generates vital research to guide future agricultural advancements, ensuring that pili farming remains a sustainable and thriving industry in the region.
With its unwavering commitment to the community, Sorsogon State University is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of pili farming. By offering continuous monitoring, technical support, and innovative solutions, the university is not only fostering agricultural success but also driving economic growth in the region. The optimism and dedication shared by the SorSU team and the local farmers pave the way for a vibrant and prosperous future for pili farming in Sorsogon, where success is truly being sown, one seedling at a time.
✒️ Carl M. Arena
Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus
The Bloom
