MALITBOG, Bukidnon (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the local government unit (LGU), recently installed a citronella facility for Higaonon farmers in Sitio Impahanong, San Luis, Malitbog, here.

DOST Bukidnon Provincial Director Ritchie Mae L. Guno said this aims to provide farmers with an alternative source of income by producing citronella oil, a natural insect repellent commonly used in candles, lotions, and sprays. 

This intervention comes with product development, user-guided training, business and organizational management, and market-matching opportunities provided by the department's Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

Citronella grass is one of the few types of grass that thrived in the area before its potential was discovered.

The Agtimaloy Farmers Association Inc. (AFAI) of the Higaonon tribe will benefit from the "Citronella Oil Processing through Hydrosteam Distillation" when it is finished in November.

The Higaonon farmers are currently tilling and managing their 10-hectare citronella plantation.

Rodolfo Senagonia, AFAI chairman, thanked the DOST and Malitbog LGU for supporting their vision.

"Bisag layo mi sa sentro, nakaabot pa gyud diri sa among Sitio ang inyong serbisyo," (Though we are in a remote community, your assistance has reached us)," Senagonia said. (PSTO Bukidnon/PIA-10/Bukidnon)