CatSU President pledges strong support for Catanduanes’ Abaca Industry

x

Previous Next

Previous Next

CatSU President pledges strong support for Catanduanes’ Abaca Industry

During the 7th Abaca Festival, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, President of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), reaffirmed the university's unwavering support for the abaca industry and the province's abaca farmers.

At the opening program of the Abaca-nobasyon: A Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference held at the Virac Sports Complex on May 24, 2023, Dr. Azanza announced that the CatSU Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) is collaborating closely with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to establish a ₱30-million research facility. The facility aims to expand the applications of abaca and address issues related to abaca diseases.

“Nauugma kita ngunyan dahil ang DOST mismo nagsabi, they will put in around 30 million budget for research digdi sa abaca sa Catanduanes. Dakulang tabang yan dahil ang research, mapapahiling talaga kung ano man an pwedeng maging alternative na gamit kan abaca,” Dr. Azanza said.

During a subsequent press conference, DOST Regional Director Rommel R. Serrano stated that the Abaca Diagnostic Biotech Laboratory project will primarily focus on studying the sources of abaca diseases in the province and develop tailored treatments for abaca in Catanduanes. Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, DOST Provincial S&T Director, added that the project has already received endorsement from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and is awaiting budget approval.

Dr. Azanza also highlighted that CatSU is actively conducting various research projects on innovative uses of abaca, including the utilization of abaca waste materials as painting canvases. These canvases were prominently featured in the current CAMOT sa CatSU: Obra sa Abaca exhibit, where local artists were able to sell their artworks at significantly higher prices.

“Ang mga paintings from waste materials ng abaca na nababakal sa P50-200, pag ginibo ‘ta sa abaca canvas, ang mga local artists nakapabakal ng P5,000 - P35,000 (worth of painting),”

In addition to the abaca painting canvases, the event also showcased the Drying Technology developed by CatSU's Research and Development Services. This patented technology helps maintain the quality of abaca fibers, particularly during rainy seasons.

Furthermore, Dr. Azanza acknowledged the inclusion of 13 CatSU faculty members in the list of world scientists. He challenged them to utilize their knowledge and talents to contribute to the improvement and sustainability of the abaca industry.

Recognizing the challenges faced by Abacaleros (abaca farmers) in the province, Dr. Azanza urged the government and stakeholders to augment their support for the parahag'ots, who remain the most disadvantaged group in the province.

“Ang dapat sentro sa satong pag-urulay, [ay] pan’o ta daw maipapadama ang pag-uswag sa satuyang parahag’ot, Abacalero,” he said.

“Kung dae ‘ta mapapauswag ang buhay kan mga Abacalero, para sain pa [na] kita ang abaca capital,” Dr. Azanza emphasized.

In conclusion, Dr. Azanza reiterated CatSU's commitment to the development, sustainability, and upliftment of the abaca industry and Abacaleros in Catanduanes. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders to achieve progress and prosperity for the province's abaca farmers.

“Iyo ini ang commitment kan CatSU sa lambang saro satuya… Padagos kitang makitabang, makisararo sa mga munisipyo sa probinsiya asin sa ahensya para mas marinas, mapakaray, [asin] mapaunlad ang gamit kan abaca para mapaunlad an satong mga abacalero,” Dr. Azanza said.  #FJBT