The forum, which will be held at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research Center in Kabacan town on August 19, will highlight the presentation of speakers from the High Value Crops Development Program – Manila and reports from the provincial Technical Working Group for Rubber Production in North Cotabato regarding the updates in the industry and latest technologies.
Governor Emmylou Mendoza urged the Provincial Agriculturist Office to also discuss in the forum the leading issues affecting the rubber industry, more particularly on the issue of buying as well marketing problems.
Mendoza said that the forum is designed to focus on doable programs that the provincial government can provide to the stakeholders while also giving emphasis on solving the primary concern, which is the low buying price of rubber cup lumps amid the large scale production.
She said since rubber is one of the major products of the province, it should consistently be a high income generating produce brought about by competitive and healthy buying price in the market.
North Cotabato has more than 55,000 hectares of land planted with rubber, making it the number one rubber producing province in Region 12.
As a priority high-value crop, rubber has found itself with high potential for substantial income among rubber planters, tappers and the rest. In fact, rubber production has become a priority or even considered as flagship programs of some local governments in North Cotabato, according to Mendoza.
For years , the provincial government has implemented various programs for rubber farmers to further enhance their production and earn better revenues.
But with the concerns faced by rubber farmers today, such as the relatively low buying price in the market and the alleged dictation in the price of rubber, the governor is optimistic that this upcoming forum can help address the issues.
There is a high demand in rubber cup lumps in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Thus , the province is aiming to be one of the suppliers.
The forum will also be an opportunity for the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry in North Cotabato to update the participants on the interventions of the agency to the concerns being raised by rubber farmers.
Rubber farmer organizations based in North Cotabato and the rest of Region 12 are expected to come up with situation report and corresponding proposals or recommendations for possible augmentation of assistance from government agencies.
Rubber planters and tappers in the province praised the provincial government for the holding of the forum. They are grateful for the initiative as this could be the venue to formulate solutions to the problems confronting the industry today. (Jimmy Sta. Cruz)
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