03/12/2013
DOST-02 releases P0.5M to PLGU-Quirino
By: Daisy DJ Simon
DIFFUN, Quirino, Dec. 3– The Department of Science and Technology RO-2 released a 0.5M fund to PLGU-Quirino last September 25, 2013. This is in response to the request of PLGU-Quirino and Quirino State University to avail of financial assistance under the DOST Grant-in-aid (GIA) program.
The said fund will be used for the conduct of “Feasibility Study on Corn and Cassava Starch Production in the Province of Quirino”.
Governor Junie E. Cua, chose Quirino State University to be the implementer of the said project because QSU has been involved in researches and conduct of feasibilities.
The economy of Quirino is basically agriculture-base. Currently, an approximate area of 41,812 hectares is used for rice, corn, banana, sweet potato, cassava and other root crops production.
Corn, a major crop in Quirino is mainly used as feed ingredients by feed mill in Luzon. Cassava which is planted in about 360 hectares is used as substitute for corn as feed ingredient. However these two (2) crops can be used to manufacture higher value products such as starch.
The Provincial Government is looking into the feasibility of venturing into cassava and corn starch production. They are looking into the possibility of developing more or less 27,850 hectares of open/grasslands in the province into cassava production. The cassava is known to perform well even under unfavorable growing condition such as drought and poor soil. Currently, the Provincial Agriculture Office and Abrasa Multi-Purpose Cooperative are supervising an estimated area of 305 hectares and 284 hectares respectively of cassava.
If this project should push through, it will create livelihood and employment to local people as well as bring tax revenue to the province. This is why the conduct of a feasibility study is important to generate information that will serve as basis whether the project can be a successful venture.
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the DOST-02, PLGU-Quirino and QSU. (DDJ/DOST-Quirino)