by Secretary Emmanuel Piñol
Chairman, Mindanao Development Authority

Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon - A wild shrub which grows only in the uplands of this town will soon be tested as a natural insect and pest control repellant in the vegetable growing region of Bukidnon.

The shrub is called "Gentong" by Talaandig tribesmen who inhabit the undulating farming area in between the Kalatungan and Kitanglad Mountain Ranges with an elevation of 1,400 meters Above Sea Level.

Talaandig farmer leader Ryan Danio who first introduced "Gentong" to me in my previous visits said the shrub is used as a litter in chickens to drive away lice and mites.

The scientific name of “Gentong" is not known yet but its leaves emit a gas-like scent when squeezed.

"Gentong" is one of the plants and herbs which I suggested should be tested for their effectiveness in driving away insects and pests during the 3-month-old Mindanao Vegetable Derby in the towns of Impasugong, Talakag, sumilao and Lantapan or the IMTASULA Vegetable Production Complex.

The vegetable production area in the IMTASULA Complex is estimated at 50,000-hectares large enough to supply the vegetable needs of Mindanao and the neighboring countries in the BIMP-EAGA.

The other plants and herbs which will also be tested alongside "Gentong" are Oregano, Neem, Citronella, Lemon Grass, Marigold and several others.

The development of natural insect and pest repellant is part of MinDA's advocacy to promote safe and healthy food from Mindanao through Good Agricultural Practices.

Most vegetable farms now use chemical pesticides and insecticides whose residue levels are not properly monitored.