CSU LAUNCHES 10-HECTARE ORCHARD ESTABLISHMENT PROJECT IN PIAT CAMPUS

Driven by a vision for sustainability and future resilience, Cagayan State University (CSU), under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, launched its Orchard Establishment Project in Piat Campus on March 25, 2026.

The project, covering 10.07 hectares, brought together the collaborative efforts of the Andrews, Carig, Solana, and Piat campuses. This partnership resulted in the planting of 4,560 fruit-bearing tree seedlings during the launch, including mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, avocado, rambutan, lanzones, Davao pomelo, Bangkok santol, and guyabano.

Serving as Phase 2 of the university’s greening program, following the 45,000 Trees Project, the Orchard Establishment Project promotes research-driven fruit production systems under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) using climate-resilient species suited to local conditions.

Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Engr. Audy R. Quebral highlighted that the orchard will serve not only as a production site but also as a research, innovation, and eco-tourism hub, supported by modern technologies such as automated irrigation systems.

Campus Executive Officers Mr. Terence Alfred Roberto A. Tejada (Andrews), Engr. Ma. Haidee A. Mabborang (Solana), Engr. Roger P. Rumpon (Carig) and Dr. Hitler C. Dangatan (Piat), pledged their long-term commitment to the project, framing it as a long-term investment in both the environment and future generations.

Meanwhile, strong support for the initiative was expressed by Piat Vice Mayor Reymundo Villacete III, Regional Assistant Director for Operations of DENR II Engr. Marcos G. Dacanay, and CSU Board of Regents Member and Alumni Representative Hon. Atty. Carmelo O. Villacete. They collectively stressed the project’s role in advancing food security, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods, while highlighting the importance of science-based practices and multi-sector collaboration.

Atty. Villacete detailed his firsthand experience growing various species on his own farm, including Davao’s native durian, Batangas pomelo, and the Dizon pomelo from Mindanao, noting that these can thrive in Piat through specific agricultural techniques.

Echoing this, OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, the visionary behind the university’s greening initiatives, emphasized that the project aligns with the government's national greening program and carbon credit and sequestration efforts.

Dr. Ibañez noted that the 10-hectare orchard will also serve as a research and learning site, part of a broader university commitment to expand tree planting to nearly 100 hectares by the end of 2026.

The initiative aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Life on Land, strengthening CSU’s role in advancing sustainable development in the region.

Meanwhile, joining the event were Board of Regents members Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, Hon. Ricardo B. Casauay, and Hon. Dionisio C. Ledres Jr., alongside university and campus officials, faculty, staff, students, partner stakeholders, and guests, all united in support of the project.