Techno Gabay reaches MNLF territories

The Techno Gabay Program (TGP), PCARRD’s banner program for technology promotion is reaching out to even the remote territories of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). TGP is making waves in the area promoting community-based enterprises through its Science and Technology (S&T)-based Farm component.

Dr. Cayetano Pomares, Regional TGP Coordinator from the Cotabato Regional Research and Development Consortium (CARRDEC) reported that the Autonomous Tri-people of Mindanao Region (ATMR) has established an S&T-based farm in the town of Carmen, North Cotabato and adopted its showcased technologies.

Dr. Arturo Argañosa, PCARRD Assistant Director for Technology Outreach and Promotion conducted a field visit to appraise the situation in the field. He observed that technologies on goat housing, the introduction of improved pasture grasses and legumes, deworming and vaccination, artificial insemination, and proper record keeping were being showcased at the S&T-based farm in the area.

With the S&T-based farm, raising small ruminants has become a very popular enterprise in the area. So far, 150 heads of goats are being raised by members of the ATMR.

Meanwhile, ATMR Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Suzada expressed interest on venturing into vermiculture production, which will provide fertilizer for organic vegetable production.

With these developments, one of the locals enthused, “because of the Techno Gabay, some of our MNLF brothers have changed their slogan to ‘to the barrel of the plow instead of the gun.’” (Arturo S. Argañosa, S&T Media Service)