In line with the vision of Secretary William D. Dar of a food-secure Philippines, the Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON continues to develop its four agricultural research and experiment stations into sustainable food production sites for the benefit of the needy communities on top of its research functions.

One of the stations is the Rizal Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (RARES) located in Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal.

On June 10, 2020, Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa visited RARES to monitor and ensure that projects and facilities being conducted and maintained by the station are on time and in good shape.

The station’s activities include the maintenance of standing crops, the preparation of land for a new project, the maintenance of a smart greenhouse, and an automated weather station that are yet to be launched, as well as the renovation of some old buildings and beautification of the station.

Director de Mesa instructed RARES Chief Dr. Eduardo R. Lalas to continue the production of food by planting a variety of vegetables on all available land at the station and using them for poultry and livestock production.

“All harvests in RARES will be given to the needy communities not only here in Tanay, but to the entire province of Rizal in coordination with our Agricultural Program Coordinating Office for Rizal and local government units,” Director de Mesa said.

The same set-up of donating harvests will also be implemented to other agricultural research and experiment stations located in Lipa City, Batangas; Naic, Cavite; and Tiaong, Quezon.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Mr. Dennis R. Arpia; Field Operations Chief, Engr. Redelliza A. Gruezo; and Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief, Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr. also joined the field visit. â—Ź (RFL, DA-RAFIS)