Plants play a huge role in supporting and sustaining communities, serving as invaluable sources of food, medicine and raw materials for tools, shelter and other basic necessities.
Pangasinan State University, through its Research, Extension and Innovation (REI) Division acknowledges this fact, thus the ardent push for realization of a Moringa Project of the university.
Dr. Oliver Caasi, head of the Integrated Agriculture Research and Development Center (IARDC) based in PSU Sta. Maria Campus said Moringa is rich in protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron and other vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy body.
“Moringa tree is also called ‘Miracle Tree’ because all its part can be used and also “Nature’s Medicine Cabinet” because it can be used to energize the body and relieve pain and stress. It is also used as an ingredient in traditional herbal medicine, or can be eaten,” Dr. Caasi said. Through the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1, PSU had initially received grants in the amount of P4-million and another P2-million from the Department of Budget and Management, that were used for the development of Moringa farming, studies and projects. PSU President Dr. Elbert M. Galas explained that in collaboration with farmer cooperatives and the Moringaling Philippines Foundation, Inc., PSU was able to establish Moringa plantation in various towns in Pangasinan.
“PSU is honored and humbled to be continuously working with the Department of Agriculture especially for the Moringa project. To date, PSU was able to establish Moringa plantations in seven municipalities in collaboration with seven farmer cooperatives and the Moringaling Philippines. The main goal of the program is to promote Moringa as a cheap source of essential nutrients. Through Moringa farming, we can alleviate poverty and reduce malnutrition and hunger in rural communities of Pangasinan,” Dr. Galas said.
Moringa farms are now operational in the towns of Infanta, Dasol, San Fabian, San Manuel, Rosales, Natividad and Sta. Maria with a total of eight ( hectares. The farmer-cooperatives and the Moringaling Philippines Foundation, Inc act as partners in producing export quality Moringa leaf powder and seed oil, he added.
The Memorandum of Agreement signing between the Department of Agriculture and PSU, that transpired on November 14, 2023 and the courtesy visit to DA Secretary Francisco Laurel, Jr., has further strengthened the partnership and involvement of the academic institution on the Moringa project.
As stipulated in the MOA, the project is entitled ‘Uprading of Moringa Processing Center and Facilities of Pangasinan State University towards the formation of Pangasinan Network of Moringa Processing’ The additional P5-million grant from DA- Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) sealed though the MOA signing, will be used for project upgrading through the establishment of a Moringa Processing Center.
Moringa, the functional food tree that promotes good nutrition would be enhanced to achieve two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1 and 2) – to reduce poverty, achieve zero hunger and provide food essential for good health.
With the full support of DA and partner agencies and organization, passionate workers from PSU shall continue to do research, utilize modern technology and nurture projects that would redound to the benefit of the community. #TatakPSU
