Donita K. Simongo with
Dr. Fernando Ezeta visiting
the CIP greenhouse at the
BSU reservation at Bektey, Ampasit.

      "The use of pesticide in crop production should be reduced and Filipinos should depend more on locally produced potatoes rather than on imported ones. The demand of Filipinos for potato should be encouraged and the quantity of demand should be known so that potato producers have a clear direction towards potato production of good quality and quantity. Good varieties of potato should be maintained for food security and profit."

     This was according to Dr. Fernando Ezeta, the Regional Leader for the International Potato Center or Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP) in East, Southeast Asia and Pacific during his field visit to different barangays in Buguias , Bakun and Atok last month.

     Dr. Ezeta was accompanied by researchers from the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC), to visit farmers who planted potato varieties that resulted from the collaborative work of CIP and NPRCRTC.

     He was also impressed by the practices of the local farmers particularly by Mr. Macario Backian who stored potato tubers on racks under his house commenting that Mr. Backian's practice is better than that of Vietnam .

     Mr. Nelio Compelio of Calasipan, Buguias also told Dr. Ezeta his success story as one of the first farmers who planted the potato variety, Igorota. According to Mr. Compelio, he was able to build a big house using the income he earned from planting Igorota.

     During the RDE Seminar Series held at the BSU last September 28, Dr. Ezeta presented the "Potato Research Priorities for Asia and the Pacific". This served as an opportunity for institutions like BSU to move toward the achievement of programs and projects related to potato and other crops where CIP will facilitate or assist on the outsourcing of funds.