Dr. Rowena P. Varela, R&D Cluster Coordinator, explains eco-innovation village to the participants during the sago techno forum on May 17, 2018 at People's Hall, SP Building, Butuan City.
BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte-The Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCAARRD) conducted series of forums wherein technology on sago production is one of the highlights.
The said forum was hosted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 in cooperation with the City Agriculture Office of Butuan on May 17, 2018 at People’s Hall, SP Building, Butuan City.
This is in celebration of the Farm and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) with the theme, “Celebrating the Balangay Spirit through the FIESTA: Panagtagbo ug Kukabildo Para sa Kalamboan sa Industriya sa Kahoy og Sago”.
Dr. Gerardo F. Estoy Jr. R&D Coordinator of PhilRice-Agusan presented the overview of the forum being the Techno Transfer Cluster Coordinator of CCAARRD.
Farmers and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members in Butuan City participated and joined in the discussion all about sago production and its utilization. Representatives from the national agencies and local government units (LGUs) also devote their time in listening to the opportunities/challenges and initiatives of sago industry that was presented by Engr. Andrea Cabonita, Provincial S&T Director in Agusan del Sur.
Engr. Cabonita said that sago can be processed into flour and feeds stuff “sago has a potential market” she professed.
On the other hand, Dr. Rowena P. Varela, R&D Cluster Coordinator, from Caraga State University also speaks for eco-innovation village. She stated that the CSU is taking its initiative to form and develop a community for this technology and establish the product with potential market.
Open forum followed after the discussion wherein participants were given a chance to raise their queries all about sago production and its utilization. Concerns on where to market sago products is among the frequently asked questions.
The open forum was moderated by Ms. Ginalyn Arbutante, Information Officer of ATI-RTC 13. The forum started at 2:30PM and ended at 4:30 PM.