DA, gov’t agencies join hands for rubber production in Zambo peninsula

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Several government agencies have joined hands in promoting rubber production in the Zamboanga Peninsula, - an industry that is fast gaining prominence in the region. Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Eduardo Holoyohoy said other government agencies have joined their thrust to encourage rubber production in the peninsula. He said a recent forum for some 100 rubber farmers and processors in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay strengthened the government’s effort to promote the industry. The forum was conducted by the regional office and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to consult rubber stakeholders and rubber processors in finalizing the regional Value Chain Map for Rubber. Holoyohoy said rubber is an important commodity and priority commodity under the DA-High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). “We are expecting more lands to be planted with rubber. Rubber is one of the best alternatives to reforestation,” he said. The DA has targeted the development of an additional 20,000-hectare rubber plantation in Zamboanga Peninsula, the major producer of rubber in the country. The expansion project will augment the region's existing 35,000 hectares, currently the biggest area planted with rubber. He said the expansion project will be implemented "phase by phase." The department is developing rubber farms at the rate of 5,000 hectares of new lands per year for rubber plantation," Read more: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/44856-DA,-gov146;t-agencies-join-hands-for-rubber-production-in-Zambo-peninsula.html  (ldtn)      Rubber sheet   Vacuum Cup