News
Cultivating Success: The Inspirational Story of Paciencia Z. Sandagan
In the heart of agriculture, where crops are cultivated through hard work and farmers' stories are rooted in soil, one woman’s journey has blossomed into a tale of strength, perseverance, and resilience. The story of Paciencia Z. Sandagan, affectionately known as “Nay Pasing,” is that of a woman who began with just a handful of seeds and strong will, and is now recognized for her efforts in sustainable farming within her community. Read more>>
Rooted in Service: Tatay Opek’s Lifelong Journey in Rootcrop Farming
In recognition of impeccable dedication and commitment, we showcase the works of PhilRootcrops’ longest serving farmers in the center, Ricardo Jarofe A. Maranguit. Known to many as Tatay Opek, he has been in PhilRootcrops since 1986, marking almost 40 years of continuous service. Read more>>
Dr. Julieta R. Roa : A Woman of Subtance and Service in RDE
Dr. Julieta R. Roa, fondly known as Doc Yol, is a distinguished researcher and former director whose contributions have left enduring mark in Philrootcrops and agricultural research community. More than a leader, she has been a mentor, teacher, and mother figure to many, fostering a culture excellence and camaraderie among her collegues. Read more>>
President's Note: Harnessing genomics and innovation to unlock the full potential of root crops
Greetings of peace and solidarity to everyone, especially to the VSU key officials; the 6th VSU President and former Director of the Philippine Root Crops and Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin; former Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Anabella tulin; retireds faculty members who are the pillars of Philrootcrops; the current PhilRootcrops Director, Mr. Marlon Tambis; our partners from the National Seed Industry-Bureau of Plant Industry, and National Cooperative Testing; PhilRootcrops faculty and staff, guest who are joining us, pleasant Thursday morning. Read more>>
Ubi Production in the Region go to Organic
Eastern Visayas is set to elevate its ube industry with a stronger focus on organic production. On February 27, 2027, at Visayas State University, the Organikong Magsasaka at Mangingisda sa Rehiyon Otso (OMMRO), in collaboration with PhilRootcrops, the Biodiversity Research Center, Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Filipino Ube House with the support of the Department of Agriculture RFO8 and Agricultural Training Institute RTC8, recently conducted a Seminar on Ube Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Production Protocol, a key step toward sustainable and competitive ube farming. Read more>>
Meet Brenda Avelino, the Kamote Queen of Dulag
Meet Brenda Avelino, a name that might not ring a bell yet, but one that is making waves in root crop production and trading. Together with her husband, Alejandro Magos, Brenda has emerged as a key player in industry, particularly in the cultivation and distribution of sweet potatoes (NSIC SP 30, 25, 35 and 36) and taro, with the technical guidance and support of PhiRootcrops, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Read more>>
Visayas State University-PhilRootcrops Supports the Launch of FMPC's Root Crop Food Processing Plant
On February 8, 2024, the Fatima Multi-purpose Cooperative (FMPC) launched its Root Crop Food Processing Plant in Brgy. Astorga, Tunga, Leyte. The facility is the biggest in the region and the first to be established by a cooperative. This endeavor marks a significant milestone in the coop’s journey to become an economic catalyst in the Visayas region. Read more>>
VSU-PhilRootcrops staff embark on a knowledge-gaining journey in Thailand's thriving cassava industry
In a relentless pursuit of fostering the cassava industry's growth in the Visayas, a dynamic alliance between the Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative (FMPC), VSU-PhilRootcrops, and Agriterra recently ventured to Bangkok, Thailand. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops Marks 46 Years of Rootcrop in Research for Food and Nutrition Security
The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) celebrated its founding anniversary through a weeklong event on March 20-24, 2023. Read more>>
Jeju National University ties with VSU on using drones to chacterize root crops
Jeju National University’s Subtropical Horticulture Research Institute (JNU-SHRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Visayas State University’s Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (VSU-PhilRootcrops) to engage in field characterization of root crops using drone technology. Read more>>
VSU and Baybay City are now ready to commercialize PH's first kamote ice cream
This will soon become a local delicacy that will hopefully attract tourist and investors alike. Two years after the ceremonial groundbreaking of the first-ever Sweet Potato Processing Center in the Visayas, Baybay City soft-launched its newest product–the kamote (sweet potato) ice cream. Read more>>
AFP links with VSU to bring livelihood for rebel returnees in Eastern Samar
The Visayas State University through the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) continues to pursue inclusive development by facilitating exrension projects that provide oppurtunity to conflict-affected areas. Read more>>
Philrootcrops' machine earns 2nd top prize in DOST national invention tilt
For the development of a working prototype of the Portable Vacuum Fryer, VAU Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Daniel Leslie S. Tan together with two other reserchers from Philippine Rootcrops Research and Training Center(PhilRootcrops) bagged the 2nd highest award for the nationwide Search of Most Outstanding Utility Model. Read more>>
Bureau of Plant Industry accredits PhilRootcrops as Plant nursery operator
The Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) is now an accredited nursery operator of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for quality planting materials of sweetpotato. This is the second crop to be accredited by the BPI for PhilRootcrops with cassava getting its first certification in 2017 and was later renewed in 2020 that will last for another three years. Read more>>
Food for the Hungry Taps PhilRootcrops for livelihood program in Samar
The Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) continues to roll out more community livelihood projects as part of revitalizing local agriculture during the pandemic. With shared commitment, PhilRootcrops finds a new partner with a Christian humanitarian organization called Food for the Hungry Philippines (FHP) in establishing a Farmers and Fisherfolk's Center in Marabut, Samar which was officially launched on May 25, 2002. Read more>>
VSU PhilRootcrops' New Mission in Basilan: Establishment of Rootcrops-based Livelihood Program
The Modelling Inter-LGU Alliance in Basilan (MILAB) project of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) deliberated the establishment of a livelihood program as a subject or focus for their alliance building in the western part of the province of Basilan, especially since one of the major crops in the area, the coconut, has been affected by the infestation of the Cocolisap. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops celebrates 45 years of gains from roots and tubers
The Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) is now 45 old. PhilRootcrops, the country's central agency for root crops research and development commemorated its 45th anniversary through a week-long celebration from March 21 to 25, 2022. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops: 44 years of life-changing research for the Filipino root crop farmers
The Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) just turned 44 on March 19, 2021. Read more>>
City of Baybay and VSU PhilRootcrops hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the rootcrops processing center
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 08, 2020, at the Women's Training Center in Barangay Cogon, Baybay City, Leyte to officially mark the establishment of the sweetpotato puree processing center in the City. Read more>>
Philrootcrops Scientist is 2020 UPLB Distinguished Alumna for food science research
Dr. Julie Diamante-Tan, professor and scientist of the VSU-based Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) joins the elite roster of 2020 UPLB Distinguished Alumni awardees for her exemplary work and contributions in the field of food science research. Read more>>
VSU intensifies food security efforts through root crop production amidst COVID-19
The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) continues to contribute in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by reinforcing their Integrated Extension Program on Root Crops to promote food security, nutrition, and livelihood developlement in some marginalized agricultural barangays of Baybay City, Leyte. This project has been ongoing since April 2000 despite community lockdowns implemented within Baybay City and the greater Leyte area. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops, ViSERDAC train DA Central Visayas staff on Climate Risk Assessment Via Google Meet
The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), with the Visayas Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (ViSERDAC) hosted a virtual training on May 26 and 27, 2020. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops showcases zero-waste processing for sweetpotato
In an international congress on root and tuber crops, scientists from the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) based in Visayas State University presented an innovative case to process sweet potato, leaving nothing to waste.
Dr. Daniel Leslie Tan and Dr. Julie Diamante-Tan, both VSU full professors and scientists at PhilRootcrops, presented their work on the “Mechanized Zero-waste Processing System for Sweet potato” during the congress themed “Root and Tuber Crops (RTCs) for Food Security and Climate Change Resilience in Asia”, held from October 17 to 18, 2019 at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, Manila. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops Celebrates 42nd Anniversary
With its theme “Strengthening RDE Partnerships Towards the Advancement of the Cassava Industry”, the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) celebrated its 42nd Anniversary. As part of the celebration, the center, in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), organized a "Symposium on the Advances of Cassava and other Root Crop Researches and Workshop on Identification of Possible Research Areas and Technologies for Training" on March 20-21, 2019 at the Research and Development Extension (RDE) hall, VSU Baybay City, Leyte. Read more>>
VSU faculty-researchers reap reg'l, exeptional alumni awards
Dr. Anabella B. Tulin, VSU Graduate School Dean, is hailed the 2018 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Awardee of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Eastern Visayas. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Award is annually conferred to public officials who have made relevant contributions to their respective regions. Read more>>
CSC confers nat’l public service awards to PhilRootcrops Director, VICAARP
This year, Dr. Vasquez is among the eight awardees to receive the highest national public service award by CSC as “Lingkod Bayani”. The award is accorded to individuals or groups for their exceptional contribution that has a nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops Director shortlisted for Nat’l Presidential Service Award
The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is the highest national award accorded to a public official by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Besides her executive role at PhilRootcrops, Dr. Vasquez is also teaching graduate and undergraduate students, and doing research and extension activities. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops Celebrates 41 years in RDE Relevance
The Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) celebrated its 41st anniversary with the theme “Rootcrops: Increasing Relevance Through the Years” on March 21, 2018 at the E.N. Bernardo Hall. Read more>>
PhilRootcrops Celebrates 40 years in R & D
Root crop farmers and processors, the agency’s partners, and researchers gathered at the PhilRootcrops headquarters at VSU to celebrate the Ruby anniversary of the country’s lead agency in root crop research, development, and training, March 20-21. Read more>>
VSU bares how phytoplasma impair cassava
Researchers from the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) at VSU revealed for the first time the effect of the phytoplasma disease on the physiological functions of the cassava root crop known scientifically as Manihot esculenta. Read more>>
Handbook on arthropod pests and diseases of cassava released
The handbook on “Arthropod Pests and Diseases of Cassava in the Philippines: An Illustrated Handbook for Identification and Management Guide” by Dr. Erlinda A. Vasquez is now ready for release. Read more>>
Sweetpotato farmers, processors to become entrepreneurs
Participants to this training are expected to become facilitators in the FBS in Hilongos, Baybay, Ormoc, Villaba, Isabel, and Palompon in Leyte, and Basey, Sta. Rita, and Dulag in Samar. They will mentor and monitor the upkeep of the local enterprise groups. Read more>>