Vetiver Center
The Vetiver Center serves as a venue in developing vetiver grass as a viable economic and social business enterprise through instruction, research, extension, and production activities. As a response to climate change, it also promotes vetiver grass as an integral part of the farming ecosystem and, eventually, the creation of a vetiver-based industry. It caters to students, faculty, researchers, farmers, and other entities.
It was established after the University’s research engagement with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural (DA-BAR) through the project, “Enhancing Utilization of “Enhancing Utilization of Vetiver System for Soil Erosion Control and Livelihood Development to Address Climate Change” in 2017. In 2020, it was identified as a center through the BOR Resolution No. 50, Series of 2020.
Philosophy: Vetiver Center for sustainable development
Vision: Center for development and commercialization in the Bicol Region
Mission: Promote vetiver grass as an integral part of the farming ecosystem and the eventual creation of vetiver based products for commercialization
Goals:
- Integrate the vetiver system technology in instruction in relation to farming systems;
- Develop researches on vetiver as an eco-disaster reduction tool and for agriculture, environment, and industry;
- Empower the communities through the provision of extension and training services for knowledge and technology transfer and provide technical assistance to LGUs, GAs, NGOs, POs, and other entities;
- Engage in production activities that would lead to technology commercialization; and
- Build linkages and networks to strengthen partnerships and spur intellectual conversations through fora, conferences, symposia, and other relevant dialogues to promote scholarship, research, and innovation and cultivate a sound discussion around the challenges and opportunities on vetiver.