In a major step toward agricultural preservation, Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo G. de los Reyes and Biliran Province State University Biliran Campus faculty completed a comprehensive cacao collection drive on April 23. The province-wide fieldwork aims to establish a conservation genebank to safeguard local agricultural resources.

The research team gathered samples across the municipalities of Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Naval, and Kawayan. This extensive effort yielded 25 distinct accessions comprising 250 seeds, with 15 seedlings successfully potted at the BiPSU Biliran Campus. Moving forward, these collections will be conserved for long-term preservation and future utilization. They will also serve as a crucial basis for evaluating and selecting cacao varieties that are most resilient and best suited to the unique agroclimatic conditions of Biliran Province.

Commending the initiative, BiPSU President Prof. Cañezo emphasized its alignment with the university's core mission. "By preserving these local cacao varieties, we are safeguarding our agricultural heritage while paving the way for sustainable farming practices across the province. This endeavor truly embodies our continuous commitment to the weaving of worthiness through impactful, community-driven research," Prof. Cañezo stated.

The success of the collection drive was a highly collaborative effort. The university extended its deep appreciation to the hardworking students of the Biliran Campus for their vital assistance in the potting activities. Furthermore, special recognition was given to the Balik Scientist Technical and Support Team, led by Dean Randy Villarin, along with Lead Team members Mr. Rhelivyn Rosendal and Ms. Ma. Opelia Moreno, and Support Staff Ms. Melanie Moncada, Ms. Apple Cyrriel Labides, and Ms. Cindy Cortez, for their invaluable dedication to this milestone project.

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