Insect pests and diseases are one of the many factors threatening the production of rubber plantations in the Philippines. To combat these, the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) is exploring strategies to diagnose rubber trees with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).
This is being addressed by the project, “Artificial Intelligence-Based Diagnostic Clinic for Efficient Detection and Monitoring System for the Management of Rubber Diseases and Insect Pests,” led by Dr. Jill D. Villanueva of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST). It is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Sample photos from the IRISDD online diagnostics. (Image credit: IRISDD)
The AI-assisted and online diagnostic clinic called, “Intelligent Rubber Insect Pests and Disease Diagnostic (IRISDD)” will fill in the gaps of a lack of efficient and effective surveillance, detection, and clinic for rubber experts. IRISDD’s objectives include the analysis and a classifier for disease and pest identification, development of a centralized database, and the development of an online platform for easier access among its beneficiaries.
Through this advancement, IRISDD can efficiently address concerns of rubber plantations that cannot be completely combated by traditional techniques. Through a monitoring system, all data regarding rubber tree pests and diseases present in different regions will be seen by stakeholders.
On the other hand, the online clinic will provide rubber farmers and stakeholders a chance to communicate with experts while the mobile application will serve as the offline disease diagnostic tool.
Currently, upgrading of the project is continuous and will be implemented among major rubber producing provinces in the country after its completion. The establishment of the project has a potential to create an impact from small to large-scale rubber stakeholders in the country.
Participants of the Training on Financial Monitoring and Management organized by DOST-PCAARRD in La Breza, Quezon City. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
A total of 90 researchers and accounting staff from various DOST-PCAARRD implementing agencies participated in the Financial Monitoring and Management training supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in support of the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research.
Organized by the Crops Research Division (CRD), the training aimed to equip researchers with ongoing projects funded by the Council, and accounting staff with essential concepts, practical tools, and strategies to enhance financial management skills. It was held in La Breza Hotel in Quezon City.
Resource persons from DOST-PCAARRD discussed key financial policies, common compliance issues, and best practices in project fund management.
Science Research Specialist Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, of DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division (CRD) presented the DOST’s guidelines for grants-in-aid (GIA) program and its latest amendments as well as the documentary requirements for project requests.
Accountant Jaivee Ann Tabadero, of DOST-PCAARRD’s Finance and Administrative Division (FAD)-Accounting, discussed the line-item budget (LIB) preparation, fund utilization and accountability, and compliance with relevant issuances of the Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget Management (DBM), and Bureau of Treasury (BTR) on inter-agency fund transfers.
In addition, Project Administrative Aide VI Bezalel Ann Alvero of the FAD-Accounting also presented the common observations and financial concerns on submitted financial reports.
Director Leilani D. Pelegrina and Project Financial Monitoring and Liquidation Unit (PFLMU) of FAD-Accounting answer participants' queries during the training. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Project Technical Specialist Pauline Davis E. Caparas of DOST-PCAARRD's CRD led the workshop on financial monitoring and reporting using a financial monitoring tool for efficient planning and tracking of project expenses. A consultation on the preparation and submission of financial reports and other supporting documents for liquidation of ongoing and completed projects was also facilitated among project proponents and the Project Financial Monitoring and Liquidation Unit (PFLMU) of FAD-Accounting.
Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (R&D) Juanito T. Batalon encouraged participants to ensure that their financial reporting and liquidation processes are thorough and timely to help ensure the immediate release of funds for future projects.
In her closing remarks, CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina emphasized the crucial role of the financial monitoring in the effective implementation of projects and reaffirmed DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment to continuously supporting project proponents.
The training was participated by researchers and accounting staff from the Visayas State University (VSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Davao Oriental State University (DorSU), Capiz State University (CAPSU), Romblon State University (RSU), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), and various research centers of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
PA Mentoring Program mentors, mentees, and organizers during the final presentation. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Continuing its commitment to advancing policy research in the regions, DOST-PCAARRD recently concluded the second batch of its policy analysis (PA) mentoring program where 26 policy researchers from various institutions all over the country were trained. Participants came from Ifugao State University, the University of the Philippines Tacloban College, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (RFO) III, Bohol Island State University (Main and Bilar Campuses), and the Department of Agriculture-RFO Cordillera Administrative Region.
The second batch of PA Mentoring Program culminated with the participants’ presentation of their comprehensive policy research proposals and receiving valuable feedback from their mentors. This mentoring activity was implemented under the program, “Strengthening Policy Analysis in the Regions: Mentoring on the Development of Policy Research Proposals" (PA Mentoring Program).
Mentors of the 2024 PA Mentoring Program with the DOST-PCAARRD SERD Director. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Policy Analysis and Advocacy (PAA) program is one of the flagship initiatives of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). This program aims to drive policy reforms and recommendations that create a more conducive environment for science, technology, and innovation (STI) while promoting investment in the development of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors.
Second iteration of the PA Mentoring Program
Building on the success of its inaugural series in 2023, this second iteration of the PA Mentoring Program focused on enhancing researchers' capability to develop and implement policy research projects addressing region-specific issues. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory (DIP Lab) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf).
The program featured three key plenary sessions: Orientation, Midterm Review, and Final Presentation. While the Orientation and Midterm Review were conducted virtually, the Final Presentation was held in person, allowing deeper engagement and constructive feedback.
Dr. Ernesto O. Brown, SERD Director. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Ernesto O. Brown, in his message, emphasized the importance of strengthening regional policy research capabilities. He expressed optimism that the program would increase the number of regional policy researchers, enhance communication and advocacy skills, and generate actionable policies to address pressing regional issues.
During the Final Presentation, participants showcased their comprehensive policy research proposals and received valuable feedback from their mentors. Seven proposals were presented, covering a wide range of topics. These included enhancing agricultural practices and the sustainability of Indigenous livestock through policy analysis in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), assessing the effectiveness of the Farm-to-Consumer (F2C2) Program in improving smallholder productivity in Eastern Visayas and evaluating the Leyte Sab-a Basin peatland and its ecosystem services for sustainable resource management. Other proposals focused on Project ADION, which analyzes and develops integrated outcomes for national policies on animal disease control and prevention, examining the social carrying capacity of diving and snorkeling sites in Panglao, Bohol; assessing the impact of government-funded livestock multiplier farms in the Cordillera; and conducting a comprehensive review of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Law in Bohol Province.
These proposals will be submitted to DOST-PCAARRD for potential funding, reinforcing the council's dedication to fostering impactful policy research initiatives.
Participants and mentors unite for a group photo, celebrating collaboration and shared learning. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Through programs like the PA Mentoring Program, DOST-PCAARRD continues to strengthen the policy analysis capacities of its consortia member-institutions. By doing so, the Council aims to advance the development of the AANR sectors, contributing to sustainable growth and innovation nationwide.
In a time when the pressures of climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation are intensifying across the globe, two neighboring countries are taking a proactive step toward protecting one of their most essential natural resources—soil.
One of the Councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will soon benefit from the strategic marketing communications approach brought by the practice of integrated marketing communications (IMC).
Regional partners and technical staff members of the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) were recently capacitated with knowledge and skills on how to promote research-based technologies and innovations, products, and services using the IMC approach.
Held from May 21 to 23, 2025 in Baguio City, the training, “Mainstreaming Science 2: Creating Relatable IMC Campaign for Your Agri-Aqua Innovations,” capacitated 52 staff members from the Council’s technical research divisions and the science communicators from the 14 regional consortia. The training was organized by the Applied Communication Division (ACD) of DOST-PCAARRD.
Dr. Nelson B. Guillen Jr., a marketing expert and faculty member of the De La Salle University’s Marketing and Advertising department under the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business served as the main resource person of the training.
Separate lectures from ACD’s experts were also conducted to contextualize the IMC concepts applied in DOST-PCAARRD’s science communication campaigns:
Mr. Joel Eneristo A. Joven shared PCAARRD’s IMC framework and the importance of unified messaging among various S&T project and promotion activities;
Mr. Gian Carlo D. Camacho imparted best practices in using social media as a platform to reach a wider audience build online engagement;
Ms. Rose Anne M. Aya elaborated on the application of IMC in the IMC campaign she developed for Cavite State University’s Don Severino’s Aguinaldo Blend Coffee, and
Dr. Paul Jersey G. Leron on crafting IMC-based project proposals through the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA™), and other emerging S&T promotion platforms.
Tools and techniques in IMC campaign development were discussed, specifically developing a creative brief, employing urgency marketing techniques, and applying Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) framing.
Following the lecture sessions, participants were grouped based on the client types and audience segments being catered to by DOST-PCAARRD.
A session on “IMC-fying” FIESTA™ was also conducted, where select regional consortia that have conducted cluster FIESTAs during the post-pandemic shared their experiences and best practices. FIESTA™ or Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda is DOST-PCAARRD’s technology promotion platform for mature agri-aqua technologies that could lead to technology transfer through commercialization or extension. Technologies that are ready for commercialization are pitched to private investors and MSMEs, while public good technologies are shared to potential adopters such as farmers, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and others through exhibitions, demo, and fora.
Ms. Brillo delivered her presentation on Vegetable FIESTA. (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Ms. Ellen Joy Brillo of CLAARRDEC and Ms. Jylyn Cornelio of WESVARRDEC shared their experiences in planning and implementing the Vegetable and Native Chicken FIESTAs on a hybrid setup - a mix of activities held online and face-to-face.
“There’s still a relatively vast area of IMC practices and approaches that we can learn and explore in promoting the various research and development (R&D) results – ranging from products and tools, technologies, innovations, services, and know-how. In this training, we hope to equip our participants with the knowledge and skills in developing IMC campaigns suitable for their respective agri-aqua products and technologies,” said Ms. Marita A. Carlos, ACD Director.
The training was designed for non-marketing professionals to gain knowledge on industry practices in creating cohesive marketing content across platforms. The training also strengthened the participants’ proficiency in crafting campaign strategies that are tailored to the needs and interests of the target audience.
