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PhilRootcrops Hosts 10th Anniversary Celebration of OMMRO

Visayas State University — The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) served as the venue for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Organikong Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Rehiyon Otso (OMMRO) held from July 15 to 17, 2025. With the theme “A Decade of Cultivating Sustainable Futures in Eastern Visayas,” the three-day event was held in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)–Eastern Visayas and other regional agencies.

The celebration opened with a motorcade and product exhibit showcasing the organic produce and value-added goods of OMMRO farmer-members. This was followed by a Level 2 Training of Trainers on Ube Production and Processing, featuring sessions on “Ube Processing 101” and the drafting of the Ube Post-Harvest Manual. These sessions were led by Mr. Miguel Pelaez Mejia of the Filipino Ube House. Mr. Roger Buscay of Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative also conducted a practical training on Kobo Toolbox data collection.

On the second day, the highlight was the Pasidungog held at the RDE Hall, which recognized OMMRO’s valuable contributions to organic agriculture in the region. The event was graced by key officials from partner agencies, including DA Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, DENR Regional Director Arturo N. Salazar, BFAR Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol, and TESDA Regional Director Dan M. Navarro, represented by Mr. Mark Butad of the TESDA Provincial Office. Also present were VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes and PhilRootcrops Director Marlon M. Tambis.

Other notable attendees included Fatima MPC General Manager Maria Teresa A. Geniston, former VSU President and Professor Emeritus Dr. Paciencia P. Milan, NOAP Director Bernadette F. San Juan (represented by Mr. Marco Locqiao), and ATI Director Remelyn Recoter.

The Pasidungog also honored exemplary OMMRO members and included the formal oath-taking of the organization’s new board and officers. Agricultural inputs were awarded to the Youth Initiative of Practicing Organic Agriculture (YIPOA), and the recognition of 15 newly registered members of Kabataang Organikong Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Rehiyon Otso.

The event concluded with a Lakbay-Alay to OMMRO’s key institutional partners: VSU Biodiversity Center, ATI-Eastern Visayas, and PhilRootcrops, followed by a strategic planning workshop focused on ube production.

OMMRO currently has 52 registered members, many of whom hold leadership roles in their respective farming and fishing associations. The organization continues to provide KITS or knowledge, input, trading and sharing activities under its Lakbay-Alay banner initiative, promoting organic farming and sustainability across Eastern Visayas.

 

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No: 2 – Zero Hunger, 4 – Quality Education, 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, 13 – Climate Action, 15 – Life on Land, 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Crop Improvement

Improving yields through improved varieties, control and prevention of pest and diseases, and science-based farming techniques.

Varietal Improvement

Food or processing, whatever you intend to use your crop for, we have the right variety for you to select.

Rootcrop Varieties

Cultural Management

From planting to harvesting, we have the right technologies to help you attain the highest possible yields.

Crop Production

Pest Management

Whether it’s pests or diseases, we can help you control and eliminate them in the field for a good harvest.

Cassava Diseases

Post Production

Increasing value through handling and processing techniques to increase your income

Food Products

From snacks to desert, we can help you make healthy and tasty food products from your root crops.

Animal Feeds

Because animals also need healthy food, we have developed animal feed formulations from root crops.

Postharvest Handling and Storage

Improve quality and ensure good revenue through our postharvest technologies from root crops.

Engineering Innovation

Maximizing production through practical and easy to use farming implements and equipment.

Production Tools and Equipment  

Add efficiency to your farm by employing our production tools and equipment designed specifically for root crops.

Processing Machineries and Equipment

Get more and get better quality products from your produce with our machineries and equipment for root crop processing.

Drone/Aerial Imaging

Capturing aerial images taking photographs and mapping on an area for research and experimental uses for decision making.

Social Science and Extension

Responsive and needs-based capacity building and support for industry development

Training Programs  

From production, pest management, to processing, we have the right capacity building programs to help you grow.

Expert Dispatch

We have the experts to respond to your needs, whatever they are. And we can get them to you, wherever you are.

Technology Demonstrations

Our demonstrations help you stay ahead by giving you the latest and the best technologies we have.

Product Sales and Promotions

Got products? We can help you get them sold by showcasing your products and connecting you to potential customers.

Laboratory Analysis

Evidence-based support for farming interventions and decision-making.

CASL       

Get your basis covered. Let us test your samples and give you the data you want, whether you’re getting your farm ready or doing research.
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About PhilRootcrops

The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) is a government research, development and training institution for root and tuber crops: cassava, sweetpotato, taro, yam, yambean, arrowroot and other rootcrops.
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Vision, Mission & Goal

Vision
Creating wealth, enhancing health, improving lives through roots and tubers
Mission
To provide the national leadership in formulating and implementing strategic root crop research and development programs that can reduce poverty and food insecurity
Goal
To generate and promote root crop innovations and information that can improve the lives of stakeholders along the root crop value chain.

Contact Information

PROF. MARLON M. TAMBIS
Director
PhilRootcrops, VSU,Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines 6521-A
Telephone / Fax No.: +63 (053)563-7229 Trunkline: +63 (053) 565 0600 local 1063
Facebook: PHILROOTCROPS |
Email: marlon.tambis@vsu.edu.ph | philrootcrops@vsu.edu.ph
For queries, comments, and suggestions, kindly email us.
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