HYBRID durian and jackfruit for planting in Palawan are now being prepared.
At first glance, you might think this is just an ordinary coconut plantation.
But unknown to many, this is where hybrid plants are stored that could uplift the lives of our fellow Palawan residents.
Underneath the coconut trees, the nursery of JCA Sweet is lined up—a variety of jackfruit developed by Palawan Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez himself.
This nursery’s location is a secret, as each jackfruit seedling it produces costs between P1,200 to P1,500.
However, it’s given for free to interested residents of Palawan 2nd District under Rep. Alvarez‘s lifelong livelihood program.
The process of inarching is done here, and it involves connecting the rootstock of durian to the hybrid variant.
“This is what I mentioned earlier, the rootstock. The rootstock of the jackfruit. Any type of jackfruit seed can be planted here. When it reaches the right age, it looks like a pencil stick. This means it’s in good condition. Look at its leaves, they’re very different compared to those in Abuyog. The texture of the leaves is very distinct. So, as you can see, this plant is in good condition. Now we’ll connect it… Let’s take one, for example, where we can… These are the ones we can get scions from that are the same size as this to connect them,” according to Richristopher Magbanua, Program in-Charge, Lifelong Livelihood Program.
For Jerome, Congressman Alvarez’s nursery is a big help to his family.
The congressman pays them 5 pesos per seedling.
This is where his family is putting all of their efforts into making a living.
And sometimes, they earn up to P100,000 per month.
“We handle around 10,000-15,000 seedlings here. [per piece? Yes, times 5?] Per hundred, P100,000. [Wow, really? Is this your only job? Taking care] taking care of the seedlings,” said Jerome Balidiong, Nursery Staff for Cong. Alvarez.
Aside from jackfruit, the nursery also houses hybrid durian seedlings.
There are also hybrid pomelos.
Congressman Alvarez’s program aims to plant 1 million hybrid fruit trees within three years.
This is his way of sharing knowledge with his fellow District 2 residents for their livelihood.
Besides providing free seedlings, the program also guides participants with best practices.
Even we got involved in the training.
“This is how planting is done, transferring the seedling into the soil. You’ll plant it underneath, this is what they teach in Congressman JCA’s Lifelong Livelihood Program,”
“After you’ve planted it, take it from underneath… Then pour it into the center. Hold it underneath so it doesn’t come off. Then cover it but don’t forget the plastic… So the instruction here is to slowly remove it,” he added.
Afterward, a plastic funnel is placed to pour water directly into the plant’s roots.
This way, the water goes straight to the plant’s roots.
Under the program, local officials have been sent to farms in the Davao and Cotabato areas to see the potential of fruit farming in person.
They toured successful durian, pomelo, and jackfruit farms in the region.
This kind of program involves substantial costs.
However, Congressman Alvarez’s goal is to leave a legacy for the people of Palawan.
A legacy that will endure for generations, bringing lifelong livelihood to all.
“Other politicians might give you something, but it won’t leave a mark on you. It’s just a one-time use. Congressman JCA is leaving a legacy that will be beneficial to someone’s life because of planting these fruits,” Magbanua added.
For more information about the program, simply inquire through Congressman Alvarez’s official social media accounts and his office in Palawan.
