With a total of 108 hectares managed by Laguna De Cagayan Association in Santa Teresita, Cagayan, the Hanguana Malayana, locally known as “Bakong,” found in Barangay Luga in the said town, has become one of the major sources of livelihood for its people, helping them overcome poverty.
On October 18, Engr. John Benidic De Asis, the Grassroots Innovation (GRIND) Program Regional Coordinator of the Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST), conducted regular monitoring in the municipality. He discovered that the raw material “Bakong” in Santa Teresita had an unusual size, unlike what is typically found in Visayas, particularly in Romblon. The Bakong in Santa Teresita was longer.
Furthermore, the Local Government Unit of Santa Teresita mentioned that the finished products made from Bakong are now internationally admired and have been exported to customers abroad on a “made-to-order” basis.
Engr. De Asis suggested providing assistance to the association with the help of DOST, including technology equipment innovation, research and development, capacity building, skills training, and market linkages, to strengthen the dissemination of information about this product. These measures will help them produce more materials from this commodity.
Also, with the assistance of LGU Santa Teresita and Engr. Ferdinand Michael Magusib, PSTO Cagayan District 1 representative, the monitoring process led to a better understanding of the farmers’ needs and how to assist them.
In conclusion, DOST aims to promote, improve, and empower the Bakong farmers by involving them in a solution mapping process that GRIND is solely focusing on. On the other hand, the farmers in this town hope to develop this commodity as it holds the promise of sustaining their lives. (DOST R02)
