𝑾𝑬𝑺𝑴𝑨𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑫𝑬𝑪 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒘𝒐-𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑴𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒘𝒂𝒌, 𝑫𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔

The Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), under the leadership of Consortium Director Dr. Leonilo B. Abella, successfully conducted a two-day field validation on February 10-11, 2025, at the JHCSC Main Campus and Dapiwak, Dumingag Campus. The activity was part of the institution’s bid to host WESMAARRDEC.

JHCSC President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales welcomed the delegation upon their arrival at the Board Room of the JHCSC Main Campus, where they convened for a meeting. He was joined by Mr. Ruel Lasagas, Research and Resource Generation Director; Dr. Moises Glenn G. Tangalin, Dumingag Campus Director; and Dr. Rosanilio Yagos, JHCSC Research and Development Cluster Coordinator (RDCC).

Also present were WESMAARRDEC key secretariat member Dr. Dulce-Amor P. Matondo, Research and Development Cluster Coordinator (RDCC); Ms. Precious Diñola, consortium staff; and members of the selection committee, including Mr. Ricardo Apolinario III from DOST IX, Dr. Maila V. Pan from ZSCMST, Mr. Felix Nepomuceno from PhilFIDA IX, and Dr. Ernie Camacho, DA-RFO IX Chief of the Research Division. The meeting fostered a meaningful discussion about JHCSC’s potential as a host institution, with President Rosales acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges of hosting WESMAARRDEC.

Following the meeting, the delegates conducted an on-site assessment of JHCSC’s laboratories and facilities facilitated by Dr. Tangalin. They visited the Research Office/Center and its Conference Room, GIS and Soils Lab, Agriculture Lab, Composting Facility/Vermi Production Area, Science Lab and its Water Quality Lab, Greenhouses/Screened Houses, and Engineering Lab, which includes the Material Testing Lab and Geotechnical Engineering Lab.

On the second day, the delegates proceeded to Dapiwak, Dumingag Campus, Zamboanga del Sur, to evaluate additional research and agricultural sites. Their visits included the Zampen Chicken Project, Ranch Feedlot, Forest Reserved Area, Rice Production Area, and the Research and Extension Office of the Dumingag Campus. The delegation was also presented with accomplishments, research outputs and extension services by Ms. Rowena N. Libot, mainly focusing on the Zampen Native Chicken Project.