THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture-Zamboanga Peninsula (DA-9) office said the region remains the top producer of natural rubber in the country, but the industry’s capacity to produce high-quality raw materials remains a challenge. Engr. Roger O. Bagaforo, chief of DA’s agriculture research division said some rubber farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula need to improve their production systems. “We urge the rubber farmers and producers to practice what they learn from the forum and stop using materials like battery solutions that deter the quality of rubber,” Mr. Bagaforo said during the Natural Rubber Technology Forum held recently in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Data from the Philippines Statistics Authority show that in the last decade, Zamboanga Peninsula produced more than 70% of the country’s total production annually. Last year, the region posted 164,413.87 metric tons of rubber. — Albert F. Arcilla

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