Published December 22, 2025 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University–Gonzaga Campus marked another milestone in research and innovation with the inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Turmeric Tissue Culture Laboratory and Turmeric Nursery on December 18 at the CSU–Gonzaga Campus.
The facility is part of the research project entitled “Adaptability and Bioactivity of Turmeric: A Comparative Study of In Vitro Culture and Rhizome Propagation under Local Agro-ecological Condition,” implemented in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and BauerTek Farmaceuticals. The project underscores CSU’s commitment in advancing science-based agricultural solutions that respond to both local and industry needs.
The inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony were led by CSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibanez and CSU–Gonzaga Campus Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., with campus officials and employees in attendance.
The project aims to establish a large-scale in vitro production system for turmeric (Curcuma longa) to meet the monthly demand of 30,000 disease-free and uniform plantlets for commercial cultivation. Its ultimate goal is to support a pharmaceutical company that formulates natural-based health products, with turmeric as a key raw material.
According to Study Leader Dr. Jayrome Butay, the two-year project will involve two major components: the in vitro production of turmeric plantlets and their distribution and deployment for field cultivation through identified partner growers or company-managed farms. He emphasized that the initiative is expected to generate multiple interrelated outcomes addressing both agricultural and industrial demands. These include ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of disease-free planting materials for the industry, while improving survival rates, crop vigor, and yield quality at the farm level, ultimately enhancing productivity and income for participating growers.
In his welcome remarks, CEO Dr. Pacris expressed his hope that the project will not only generate innovative research outputs but also provide concrete assistance to farmers and industry partners through science-driven and sustainable agricultural practices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibanez commended the initiative, highlighting the strong collaboration between CSU, DOST, and the private sector. He noted that the project reflects the university’s role in translating research into practical applications that contribute to economic development, industry support, and community empowerment.
The project is led by Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr. as Project Leader, with Dr. Jayrome Butay, Ms. Myraly Marcos, and Ms. Yen Gabriel serving as Study Leaders, reflecting the strong collaborative effort of the campus research team in advancing science-driven and industry-responsive initiatives.
Source: Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture