NVSU Leads Citrus Revolution PCRDC inauguration signals new Era for Philippine Citrus Industry

A new era for the citrus industry, both in Nueva Vizcaya and across the country, begins with the inauguration of the Philippine Citrus Resources Development Center (PCRDC) at Nueva Vizcaya State University.

The center, inaugurated today, aims to revitalize citrus farming by addressing industry challenges, improving quality, and supporting farmers.

During the press conference, University President Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. highlighted the university’s role in citrus research, recalling efforts to combat the citrus virus that devastated farms in the early 2000s.

“In 2003, a researcher from NVSU first identified the virus, later validated by PCAARRD. That was when our citrus program formally began,” President Dumale stated.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the government’s strong backing for PCRDC. He announced that following the successful Phase 1 funding of PHP 21 million, an additional PHP 52.2 million will be allocated for Phase 2, which will span three years.

“We want to ensure that NVSU continues monitoring diseases while enhancing the quality and sustainability of citrus farming,” Secretary Solidum said.

Why NVSU?

When asked about the selection of NVSU as the site for PCRDC, Secretary Solidum explained that the university’s expertise in citrus research played a crucial role.

“If we select a university to support, that will mean they have the expertise for that commodity. PCAARRD, also recommend to us the approval and the proposal that they make which we have to evaluate. Tinitignan natin, ano ‘yong problema sa Region at yung kakayahan ng proponent to lead the research center. Now, hindi po ibig sabihin na ito, sa inyo lang ito, pwede po silang maging knowledge resource ng buong Pilipinas,” he explained.

Farmers Push for More Support

While welcoming the initiative, citrus farmers, present during the press conference, urged the government and NVSU to establish diagnostic laboratories and centralized support services to further enhance production.

With Nueva Vizcaya contributing 70% of Cagayan Valley’s citrus yield and 50% of the national supply, the inauguration of PCRDC marks a crucial step toward research-driven innovation and economic sustainability in Philippine citrus farming, according to Dr. Elbert A. Sana, Director of the Citrus Resources Research and Development Center.