A PHP20-million agro-fishery laboratory center under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will rise in Negros Occidental this year. “There is a need for the province to improve its laboratory services especially for agriculture and fishery sector,” OPA chief Japhet Masculino said over the weekend. Masculino said the construction of a three-story facility is eyed on a Capitol property in Barangay 39 in Bacolod City although an area within the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan is also being considered. Masculino said the laboratory center would benefit the farmers and fisherfolk mainly through protection of agro-fishery resources from pests and diseases as well as the effects of climate change.

P20-M agro-fishery lab center to rise in NegOcc. (2018, February 28). Philippine Guardian, pp. 6, 7.