𝗟𝗚𝗨, 𝗕𝗦𝗨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗨𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦

Striving to enhance research-based policies in the municipality, Councilors Belmer Elis and Horacio Ramos Jr. sat down with BSU Vice President for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian Lumbres for a dialogue on developing safety protocols for strawberry consumption at the Mayor’s Conference Hall on July 7, 2026.

Oliver Balanban, Division Chief of the Agri-Biotech Research and Development Division of CordiCARE BSU presented the proposed policy research.

This begins with examining local strawberries and assessing factors and potential pollutants, ultimately, developing a sanitizing wash containing acidified sodium chlorite.

Committee on Health Chairperson, Councilor Ramos Jr. applauded the team and suggested that scientific terms be translated into layman terms during information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns especially for the benefit of farmers and consumers.

“This research will indeed help us in the council to guarantee safety and ensure our strawberries have the utmost quality,” Committee on Agriculture Chairperson, Councilor Elis articulated the importance of science-based interventions.

Exploring ways forward, Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo proposed that the technology eventually be applied to other highland vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and carrots.

Anchored on “Research into action,” VPRE Lumbres thanked the LGU’s feedback and recommendation in refining the initiative which will be submitted to DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) for possible funding.

Author & Photographer: 𝘙𝘙. 𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘢-𝘢𝘺

Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1M4CPmbJyg/