The Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) also known as ‘Rootcrops’ within the University, celebrated its 44th Anniversary on March 23, 2021 with a program followed by exhibits, a field tour, and a presentation of success stories by farmers. The program was attended by President Felipe Salaing Comila while Regional Director of DOST-CAR Dr. Nancy A. Bantog conveyed her message virtually. DA-CAR officials representing Regional Executive Director Dr. Cameron P. Odsey also attended the celebration.

University President Felipe Salaing Comila congratulated the Center for its celebration and wished them more success. “I would continue to encourage all of you to pursue what is to be done for this center… in the name of food security, community and institutional development, let’s work hand-inhand,” he said.

Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of DOST-CAR encouraged the NPRCRTC to continue being attentive and proactive in generating solutions to bridge technology gaps on root crops.

“Continue to be the catalyst for research, development and extension for root crops in the country and even beyond our shores,” she added. Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, regional technical director for research and regulations, representative of Dr. Cameron Odsey, Regional Director of DA-CAR, also pledged their continuous assistance to the University.

“We continue to support you in whatever way we can as our partners in collaboration with BSU”, she said. NPRCRTC was established on March 21, 1977 by virtue of Presidential Decree 1107. From a one-room office, the Center has expanded in terms of facilities, personnel, programs and services, and networking. The center’s mandate is to spearhead, coordinate and implement national root crops research development and extension (RDE) programs in the country. //KJDPagada