In a groundbreaking reunion aimed at spearheading agricultural innovation, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) work together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This event, held in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, heralds not just a formal agreement but the dawn of a new era in collaboration that focuses on tackling crucial challenges in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General of the World Vegetable Center, echoed Dr. Ebora's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of vegetable production and consumption in addressing nutritional challenges. Dr. Wopereis outlined the historical ties between the Philippines and WorldVeg, highlighting initiatives to promote vegetable production and consumption in the country. (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora expressed his enthusiasm during the ceremony and highlighted the collaborative efforts in various critical areas, such as germplasm conservation, cultural management, integrated pest management, postharvest development, decision support systems, and smart farming approaches. He emphasized a shared commitment to innovation and research, underlining the importance of addressing crucial challenges in agriculture.
The MOU outlines a broad scope of cooperation between DOST-PCAARRD and WorldVeg, encompassing joint research and development, scholarships, exchange programs, information sharing, and organizing joint events. Specific areas of collaboration include germplasm conservation, cultural management, integrated pest management, postharvest development, decision support systems, and smart farming approaches.
(From left to right) Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division Director Lilian Bondoc, Institution Development Division Director Fezoil Luz Decena, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Juanito Batalon, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora, WorldVeg Director General Marco Wopereis, Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani Pelegrina, Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) Officer-in-Charge Maria Teresa de Guzman, CRD Supervising Science Research Specialist Sharie Al-faiha Lubang, and ARMRD Science Research Specialist II Kathleen Faith Villarma. (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Key provisions of the MOU include mechanisms for intellectual property management and dispute settlement procedures. The agreement, valid for 5 years with provisions for its extension, sets the stage for impactful projects and initiatives to transform the agricultural landscape and improve the lives of farmers and communities.
Both parties agreed to implement initiatives on various fronts, including value chain policy studies and adaptability trials. With concerned technical division directors present, the event symbolized a collective commitment to driving agricultural innovation in the Philippines.
As the partnership between DOST-PCAARRD and WorldVeg takes shape, stakeholders can anticipate transformative projects that promise to revolutionize agriculture and ensure food security for all. Together, these organizations are poised to make significant strides toward sustainable farming practices and equitable access to nutritious food in the Philippines and across borders.
Ribbon cutting ceremony to open the exhibits during the Root Crops FIESTA. (Image credit: Reinier Josef Abagat, ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Root Crops Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) kicks off today with an opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Held today at Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay Leyte, the FIESTA aims to showcase root crops technology outputs of the Visayas Regional Consortia of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) among technology generators, farmers, investors, and entrepreneurs. “We hope that the Root Crops FIESTA will be able to inspire participation from local government units, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, and other stakeholders,” says DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora in his keynote message delivered by DOST-PCAARRD Applied Communication Division (ACD) Director Marita A. Carlos. He added that through collaboration, we can explore new opportunities, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to propel the root crops industry forward. Dr. Ebora also discussed the aim of DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) for Sweetpotato to increase sweetpotato production, enhance the utilization and promotion of fresh and value-added sweetpotato products, and improve food value chains. Highlighting the FIESTA are the technology pitching and technology forum that hope to further promote root crops technologies that are ready for commercialization. Root crop products and technologies are also being showcased through an exhibit. Alongside, activities including Technology to People (T2P) media conference, farm visit, cooking demonstration, and other root crops-themed pocket events are set to engage participants. The Root Crops FIESTA is led and organized by the Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (WESVAARRDEC), Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP), and the Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC).
FIESTA is an Intellectual Property Office (IPO)-registered technology promotion and commercialization platform initiated by DOST-PCAARRD. It aims to empower farmers and fisherfolk to improve on their livelihood as well as match technology generators to target adopters.
The current knowledge and experiences on crop diseases were emphasized in the recently conducted 1st Plant Pathology National Congress at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, on February 21–23, 2024.
Themed, “Strengthening Philippine Phytopathology Through Fostering and Sustaining Collaboration Towards Scientific Progress and Stakeholders’ Welfare,” this Congress was organized by the Philippine Phytopathological Society, Inc. (PPS) in partnership with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The book “Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control,” authored by Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo was launched during the conference.
Engaging more than 220 plant pathologists, agriculturists, researchers, and students, among others, this activity served as a platform to tackle relevant topics, such as emerging diseases for plantation crops like rubber, banana, pineapple, and other regional crops, and developing sustainable crop disease management and control strategies.
Furthermore, outcomes and updates on various DOST-PCAARRD-funded projects were presented during the event including: “SPIDTECH: Bringing Crop Protection in the Hands of Farmers through Smart Technology,” by Ms. Sarah Jane B. Manaday of the National Crop Protection Cluster-College of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños; “Effects on Yield of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Disease (PMWD) of Queen Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr. Var “Queen”) in Camarines Norte,” by Dr. Arlene C. Alegre of the University of Camarines Norte; and “Diagnosis and Identification of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engly.) Diseases in Bicol,” by Dr. Marissa N. Estrella of the Bicol University.
The Smarter Pest Identification Technology or SPIDTECH is one of the studies on crop-environment interaction of Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines). SPIDTECH is a mobile application that helps users identify, manage, and report major crop diseases and insect pests.
In terms of PMWD’s effects on the production and marketability of Queen Pineapple, effective disease management of the Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Associated Virus (PMWaV) should be implemented to help boost Queen Pineapple yield thereby increasing the farmers’ profit.
Meanwhile, Dr. Estrella presented three pili diseases. The first disease is the leaf spot characterized as brown to dark circular spots. Another disease of pili is leaf rust distinguished through yellow-orange powdery pustules. The ‘tayangawon’ is a form of pili deterioration. Pili kernels with tayangawon are discolored, with soft and irregular parts.
The four thematic sessions during the convention were Smart Agriculture and Regulation Updates, Plant Disease Situationer and Emerging Crop Diseases, New and Emerging Crop Disease, and Disease Management.
Moreover, the Congress also highlighted the book launching of “Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control,” authored by Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo. The book aims to discuss and provide more information on the disease dynamics of Abaca virus, as well as provide options for controlling and managing the disease.
Participants from different universities during the rapid poster presentation session. (Image credit: Renelaine E. Limosinero, ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
One of the Congress’ outputs is an action plan for sustained collaboration toward disease management in the Philippines and the activation of national and regional divisions of PPS. The action plan includes tapping government agencies for assistance in implementing the approved Philippine National Standard (PNS) regarding the quality and effectiveness of Biological Control Agents (BCA) products. The Congress targets to increase the engagement and capacity building of other experts, stakeholders, farmers, and students on SMART Agriculture; increase government funding for research and projects on disease management; and increase the scope of pest and disease identification technologies by adding more crops of focus in the system, sharing of research facilities, and creating task force against emerging/re-emerging pathogens.
Educational tour/visit to laboratories and facilities at IRRI, IPB, NCPC, and BIOTECH. (Image credit: Renelaine E. Limosinero, ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
Poster presentations and an educational site visit were also conducted during the event. Participants visited laboratories and facilities at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), National Crop Protection Center (NCPC), and the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH).
The strategic partnership of DOST-PCAARRD and PPS is aligned with the current priorities of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector of the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA). DOST-PCAARRD has been providing augmentation funds to qualified professional/scientific and academic organizations that pursue activities in support of the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.
Ilang teknolohiyang pang-irigasyon, makatutulong upang labanan ang epekto ng tagtuyot sa bansa.
Ang mga ito ay ang Water Advisory for Irrigation Scheduling System o WAISS ng University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) at ang Auto Furrow Irrigation System o AFIS ng Central Luzon State University. Ang WAISS at AFIS ay produkto ng pananaliksik na pinondohan ng Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) sa Los Banos, Laguna.
Layon ng WAISS na matulungan ang mga magsasaka na magkaroon ng praktikal na impormasyon sa pagiiskedyul ng patubig at mga rekomendasyon tungkol sa wastong patubig sa sakahan. Gamit ang mga panuri ng lupa o ‘soil sensors’ na nakalagay sa lupang taniman, sinusuri ng WAISS ang kahalumigmigan ng lupa. Ang mga datos mula sa mga soil sensors ay regular na ipinapadala sa WAISS ‘Server.’ Pagkatapos suriin, nagpapadala ang WAISS ng abiso sa mga magsasaka base sa mga impormasyong nakalap. Kapag kritikal ang halumigmig sa lupa, magbibigay ang WAISS ng mga abiso kung kinakailangan na nito ng patubig, kailan ito dapat gawin, at kung gaano kadami ang kinakailangang patubig.
“Sa teknolohiyang ito, hindi na kailangan ng magsasaka pumunta palagi sa bukid,” ayon kay Dr. Roger S. Luyun, Jr., propesor sa UPLB at project leader ng proyektong WAISS. Dagdag pa niya na ang WAISS ay magpapadala ng babala, abiso, at rekomendasyon sa pamamagitan lamang ng ‘text’ na mensahe sa ‘mobile phone.’
Ang WAISS ay isa sa mga teknolohiyang kabilang sa programang, “Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry o Project SARAi,” na ipinatupad ng UPLB sa pangunguna ni Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon. Ang Project SARAi ay isa sa inisyatibo na layong matugunan ang matinding epekto ng klima sa tulong ng pagbibigay ng tamang abiso at impormasyon para sa mga magsasaka.
Para naman sa industriya ng tubo at asukal, handog ng Central Luzon State University (CLSU) sa pangunguna ni Dr. Marvin M. Cinense ang AFIS.
Ang AFIS ay gumagamit ng mga ‘multi-sensor’ at mga ‘control system’ upang mapamahalaan ang pagpapatubig sa lupang sakahan. Iniuugnay din ang AFIS sa mga cellphone at kompyuter upang gawing mas madali ang proseso ng irigasyon. Dahil nakatutok ang AFIS sa agarang irigasyon, kaya nitong matiyak kung kailan at gaano karami ang patubig na kailangan ng lupang sakahan.
Inaasahan na mas magiging sulit ang paggamit ng AFIS kumpara sa tradisyonal na sistema ng irigasyon. Base sa ulat at pananaliksik ng CLSU sa pangunguna ni Dr. Armando N. Espino Jr., ang paggamit ng AFIS sa Floridablanca, Pampanga ay nagresulta sa pagtaas ng ani ng tubo ng 58.34% at pagtitipid sa tubig na umaabot sa 47.50%. Ito ay mas mataas kumpara sa nakagawiang sistema ng pag papatubig na hindi ‘automated.’ Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng
malawakang pagsusubok ng AFIS sa mga piling lugar na taniman ng tubo sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao sa pamamagitan ng pinansyal na suporta ng DOST-Industry Level Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage the Philippine Economy (ICRADLE) Program.
Dahil sa patuloy na banta ng El Niño sa agrikultura ng bansa, tiyak higit na makakatulong ang mga inobasyong gaya ng WAISS at AFIS para sa industriya. Patuloy rin na inaasahan na ang nasabing mga teknolohiya ay magsusulong ng wasto at matalinong paggamit ng tubig sa bawat sakahan sa bansa.
Gayundin, napapaganda nito ang kalidad ng mga ani, nagiging mas maberde ang dahon, matibay ang mga tangkay, mabunga, at malusog ang mga halaman. Ito ay dahil sa mga mabubuting microorganisms o mikrobyo na may kakayahang magproseso ng nitroheno na tumutulong sa pagpapalaki ng halaman.
