The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) conducted the Technical Training on Vetiver Grass Technology for Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Agriculture, together with the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and vetiver grass dispersal, on May 15, 2026, at the Municipal Covered Court in Gainza.
The activity was held in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Gainza, led by Mayor Glenn Romeo M. Gontang, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)โBicol under Regional Director Rommel R. Serrano, CESO III, represented by Patrocinio N. Felizmenio, Provincial Director of DOST-Camarines Sur.
The initiative aimed to enhance community awareness and practical knowledge on the use of vetiver grass technology as a nature-based solution for soil conservation, erosion control, and environmental protection. Participants gained insights into the role of vetiver in sustainable agriculture and disaster risk reduction efforts.
Melchora V. Abonal, Director of the CBSUA Vetiver Center, served as resource speaker for the technical training. Joining the activity were Dariel A. Palminao, PhD, Vice President for Research and Innovation; Abigail V. Guinoo, Director of the Extension Services Division; Frenemel DLS. Torres, Director of the Organic Agriculture Center; and Emerson L. Bergonio, PhD, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences.
A total of 4,000 vetiver tillers were dispersed during the activity. Of these, 2,500 were planted along the Bicol Riverbank in Barangay District 2 to help mitigate soil erosion and riverbank degradation, while the remaining 1,500 were distributed to the municipal sanitary landfill and community volunteers to support further propagation efforts.
With these efforts, the initiative will continue to advance sustainable environmental practices and strengthen community resilience through science-based solutions. | ๐๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฐ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐๐
