Isabela State University (ISU) received one unit of mini dump truck from the Provincial Government of Isabela led by Hon. Rodolfo T. Albano III on March 12, 2024 to be used for the operations of the Cagayan Valley Cacao Processing Center (CVCPC).

Received by ISU in the presence of Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President), the turnover is a manifestation of the University’s partnership with the provincial government and other local government units (LGUs) in the dissemination of science-based technologies through the conduct of capacity building and community development activities.

The release of the said dump truck is a part of the resource provided by the provincial government to support the project, “Establishment of Nursery Facilities for Rapid Multiplication of Cacao Seedlings”, which was proposed by Dr. Aquino along with Dr. Jose P. Gallena, Jr. (Executive Officer, Echague Campus), and Dr. Myleen N. Corpuz (Director, CVCPC).

As CVCPC is located in the University, the project aims to help Isabelino farmers to augment their income from dwindling corn and rice farming through the establishment of nursery facilities that will enable the agriculture sector of the province to practice diversified farming through the planting of cacao.

With Isabelino farmers experiencing struggles in the procurement of quality cacao seedlings due to the lack of available accredited and certified cacao nurseries in the province, the new vehicle will be used to handle and distribute cacao seedlings to farmers who are willing to plant and invest in cacao in the various towns of Isabela.

In the long run, aside from building modern nurseries and providing quality cacao seedlings, the project hopes to conduct hands-on training with farmers and other stakeholders on the rapid propagation of said seedlings, and establish a demonstration farm to showcase the growth of cacao.