FPRDI-ARMM collaboration seen
August 27, 2013
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) is set to assist the local government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in beefing up the region’s livelihood options.
This was firmed up after the discussions between FPRDI representatives Mildred M. Fidel, Chief of the Technical Services Division, and Maria C. Reyes of the Business Development and Intellectual Property Section, and ARMM’s Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa M. Alamya and Manila Liaison Office Director Mr. Jolly S. Lais on 26 June and 07 August 2013.
“Dir. Lais is envisioning livelihood projects that will turn some of ARMM’s untapped agro-forest raw materials into viable sources of income for the locals,” explained Reyes. “He is particularly interested in the Institute’s dryer for water hyacinth stalks, grasses and shrubs, as well as training courses on the preservative treatment of these materials,” she added. Some areas of the region are frequently flooded due to the vast carpets of water hyacinth clogging the tributary streams of Liguasan Marsh.
“The local government is about to identify some communities along Rio Grande de Mindanao that could be tapped as project cooperators. FPRDI, meanwhile, will help identify handicraft manufacturers willing to purchase the dried raw materials that will be produced,” ended Reyes.
The ARMM officials are slated to visit the Institute and some successful adopters of the FPRDI’s dryer. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin, 06 August 2013)
