2nd Agribusiness Master Class PH focuses on inclusivity, gender, and climate lenses

Following the launch of the Agribusiness Master Class (AMC) in November 2019, the 2nd Module of the Class was held on February 24-28, 2020 at Quest Hotel Clark, Pampanga. This time, the five-day class targeted to instill value chain thinking with a look through the lenses of social inclusion, gender, and climate change.

AMC Philippines is a joint collaboration of Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), together with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Foodlink Advocacy Co-operative and the University of Queensland.

Participants of the 2nd Module were from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PCAARRD, University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao, UP Los Baños (UPLB), Visayas State University (VSU), University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Aboitiz Foundation, Rooted Seed Stories Corp., Farmwatch Solutions Inc., Foodlink Advocacy Co-operative, Grow Asia, Apostol Techno-Demo Learning Farm, Inc., and San Felipe Cooperative.

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In memory of Dr. Feliciano B. Calora, Sr.: Agriculture champion

Dr. Feliciano Banaag Calora, Sr., considered by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) as one of its champions for the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, passed away on March 30, 2020 at the age of 87.

Having served as a member of the Governing Council for about 20 years and a consultant as Lead Entomologist for R&D in various agricultural commodities. Dr. Calora had contributed significantly in the approval of vital researches of the then Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

Dr. Synan S. Baguio, currently Officer-in-Charge of the Livestock Research Division (LRD) of PCAARRD recounts how Dr. Calora was key to the approval of the project on the development of native animals, particularly Darag native chicken. He said that Dr. Calora served as the project’s champion, defending the importance of uniformity and predictability of production performance of native animals since the other members doubt the project’s significance. The project on Native Animals as of today, has produced 6 native chicken pure lines, 2 Itik Pinas pure lines, and 6 native pig pure lines with predictable production performance and uniform physical appearance.

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PNG explores possible cooperation with PCAARRD during visit

Papua New Guinea (PNG) officials, headed by its Minister of Parliament (MP), Honorable Ross Seymour, recently visited the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

During the visit, PNG explored possible initiatives with the Council on agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR), and on policy formulation. PNG hopes that the visit will help them in attaining their five-year development plan for 2018-2022 especially on areas related to aquaculture and aquatic resources.

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Resistance mechanism project for Philippine maize against Asian corn borer commences

A project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) will aim to understand traditional maize or corn and its origin of resistance against the Asian corn borer (ACB) through antibiotics, antixenosis, and tolerance.

Titled, “Mechanism of Resistance of Philippine Traditional Maize Varieties against Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee),” the project will be implemented by the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB-UPLB).

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