The University of the Philippines Los Banos College of Agriculture and Food Science partnered with Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus in hosting Dr. Rochelle Joie Saracanlao, a DOST Balik-Scientist Awardee and Ph.D. graduate in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven, Belgium, for potential research collaboration on pili through the DOST PCAARRD (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) from October 1-4, 2024.
On the first day, Dr. Saracanlao paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jhonner Ricafort. Dr. Ricafort warmly expressed his gratitude to Dr. Saracanlao for her commitment to crafting a research proposal aimed at enhancing pili production in partnership with the SorSU Castilla faculty. Also present in the meeting were Prof. Andrew Detera, the Campus Director of Castilla Campus, and SorSU Castilla faculty members Mr. Jobert Arcilla (BAT Program Chair), Ms. Jocel Batuto (BSA Program Chair), Mr. Brian Gabriel Buenaobra (Research and Development Coordinator), and Ms. Ira Habla (Extension Coordinator).
To gather firsthand data about pili, specifically in nursery, soil, and pest management, Dr. Saracanlao interviewed the Pili Center Head, Dr. Oscar Peter Pascual and the Pili Extension Project leader, Prof. Andrew Detera on October 2, 2024. Dr. Pascual and Prof. Detera shared inputs about the media used in germination, different varieties of pili, and the types of asexual propagation practiced to hasten production of pili seedlings. They were accompanied by Soil Science faculty members Prof. Arcilla, Mr. Buenaobra, and Ms. Batuto, who also shared their technical knowledge on soil properties and management. Afterward, they visited Mr. Jose Amador’s pili farm in Guinlajon, Sorsogon. Mr. Amador provided a tour of his nine-hectare farm, which hosts 800 grafted pili trees. He shared his soil management practices and harvesting techniques that have enhanced his pili production year-round. However, he also pointed out areas for improvement, such as increasing planting distance and the need for essential post-harvest facilities.
On October 3, 2024, Dr. Saracanlao inspected the Soil Laboratory, which was also a vital component of her visit. She identified equipment needed to enhance the soil lab, which will be primarily used for research and instruction. The findings from her inspection will be instrumental in securing funding for equipment and facilities in the research proposal. In the afternoon, Dr. Saracanlao delivered an insightful seminar titled “Utilizing Recycled Iron Phosphates for Enhanced Phosphorus Nutrition and Management in Paddy Rice Cultivation.” She emphasized the different growth responses of rice seedlings to soils with varying pH and moisture conditions when treated with recycled phosphate fertilizers sourced from the mineral vivianite. Additionally, she stressed the importance of the types, modes, and timing of fertilizer application in the growth and development of pili seedlings. Students and faculty actively engaged in the open forum related to the presented topic. The day concluded with the ceremonial planting of pili seedlings by Dr. Saracanlao, assisted by the extension personnel, Ms. Alet Bacelonia and Mr. Rey Ariola. This activity symbolized the commitment of both parties to nurture their newly established partnership and engage in significant research endeavors.
Dr. Saracanlao’s visit culminated in a tour of the scenic and historical sites in Sorsogon City, accompanied by the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Rochele N. Aragon, and the Soil Science faculty. This enriching experience allowed her to further appreciate the province’s cultural heritage while fostering connections for future collaborative projects, particularly those involving pili. These efforts would support the proposed House bill declaring Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the Philippines.
Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus
