Tabang Bikol Movement inks MOA with CBSUA for DRM and Agriculture partnership

By Philip N. Talay

The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), a century-old leading university in agriculture represented by Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, University President, entered into a memorandum of agreement with Tabang Bikol Movement (TBM) represented by Madame Evita Jimenez-Tuazon, Chairman of the Board last November 19, 2021. The said collaboration of the two parties revolves around each other’s commitment to serving the Bicolanos, especially those most affected by disasters.

TBM had organized Peoples’ Organization of Disaster Survivors (PODIS), its first group at Canaman, Camarines Sur, with plans to replicate this throughout the region. PODIS has been developing a hectare of land donated by the Archdiocese of Caceres for planting vegetables and citronella. TBM has partnered with national government agencies, such as the department of agriculture, and department of science and technology, and other institutions to start the development of the community members of PODIS. Now PODIS works on citronella oil production with the assistance of DOST. The first local community-based oil extraction project.

CBSUA, mandated to deliver instruction, research, extension, and production throughout the Bicol region, has its mission of leading innovations and building resilient and sustainable communities. Thus, through the Resilience Center as the focal point for DRRM related initiatives and activities, CBSUA partnered with TBM to deliver DRRM programs in agriculture to expedite community development.

CBSUA has offered to help in the technical development of the farm as to layout and design, specialized training on crop and animal productions, mushroom production, organic agriculture training, DRRM training, Circular Economy, and Business training, among others.

During the MOA signing, CBSUA President Alberto N. Naperi, Resilience Center Director Dr. Philip N. Talay, TBM Chairperson Evita Jimenez-Tuazon, TBM Board Members Dr. Cely S. Binoya, Engr. Vic Rubio, Mrs. Virgie Blasa, and a DOST representative humbly graced the simple event at the People’s Farm small Kubo in Barangay San Agustin, Canaman, Camarines Sur.

Many activities were planned for the collaboration and sharing of expertise from CBSUA. It envisions that besides the alternative livelihood this project can provide to the PODIS members, their farm is envisioned to become an eco-tourism and learning site.