The Iloilo Science and Technology University Leon Campus commenced its first-ever DOST-PCAARRD funded project on October 1, 2024. Titled “Evaluation of the Growth Performance of Hybrid Coconut as Influenced by Fertilization Rates and Intercropping at Leon, Iloilo,” the project is led by Dr. Eric James P. Talagon, along with project members Ms. Joy Lyn C. Alfor and Dr. Christian C. Taba, all faculty members of the university.

The project has received a Php 5,000,000.00 grant from DOST-PCAARRD under the Coconut Hybridization Program and is set to run for three years (2024-2027). It aims to collaborate with government agencies in the region, such as DA-Western Visayas, the Provincial Agriculture Office, the Philippine Coconut Authority Region 6, and the Leon Municipal Agriculture Office to ensure successful implementation. The project will be established at the campus demonstration site in Brgy. Lanag, Leon, Iloilo, covering 2 hectares of land.

This project will serve as an avenue to promote hybrid coconut cultivation in the municipality and is expected to enhance sustainable farming practices and improve the productivity of local farmers, thereby contributing to the overall agricultural growth of the province.