In response to growing challenges posed by climate change, food supply disruptions, and other crises affecting the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, DOST-PCAARRD launched GALÌNG-PCAARRD Kontra Krisis (GPKK) Program, a proactive platform for delivering AANR science and technology innovations to communities all over the country.
A total of 63 projects will be implemented by 40 partner institutions of the Council in the three major islands of the country. The launch, held on June 22, 2026 at the E.O. Tan Hall of DOST-PCAARRD in Los Baños, Laguna, coincided with the Council’s 15th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for national development and community resilience.
The GPKK Program delivers science-based interventions anchored on DOST-PCAARRD’s strategic pillars: technology application; enterprise and network development; and policy and institutional strengthening and operationalized through these three major components: internal PCAARRD initiatives; local communities and regional ecosystem initiatives; and international partnerships. It supports both immediate responses and long-term strategies aimed at strengthening the capacity of communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions.
“The program ensures that interventions directly respond to the immediate needs of people. These include strengthening food security through alternative food product development, community and urban food production systems, and technologies that help cushion households from rising living costs. In this way, science, technology, and innovation becomes a direct instrument for improving quality of life,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
The program includes initiatives on alternative food product development, community and urban food production systems, cooperative strengthening, forecasting and decision-support systems for agri-food disruptions, and capacity building for stakeholders.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora highlighted the program as a platform that transforms research and partnerships into practical solutions for communities.
“We launched the GPKK Program, a platform that turns research and innovation into solutions that help communities become more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure,” said Dr. Ebora.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of the Statement of Cooperation among DOST-PCAARRD and its partner institutions. The agreement formalized the commitment of 40 partner-institutions to jointly implement the 63 projects under the GPKK Program, ensuring coordinated efforts in delivering science-based solutions for resilience, sustainability, and food security in communities nationwide.
According to the DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia, the program, which will be implemented by state universities and colleges, government agencies, research institutions, and private sector organizations, requires a total R&D investment of P266 million.
The partner institutions include 26 organizations from Luzon, six from the Visayas, and eight from Mindanao.
“More importantly, GPKK is not simply a collection of projects. It is a clear demonstration of how science, technology, and innovation can be translated into real-world solutions, turning research and development into technologies, systems, and community-based interventions that make a tangible difference on the ground,” said Secretary Solidum.
The Statement of Cooperation reflects a shared commitment among government, academe, research institutions, and private partners to accelerate the delivery of technologies and knowledge products that address real-world challenges.
As DOST-PCAARRD celebrates 15 years and continues a legacy of service that began in 2011, the launch of the GALÌNG PCAARRD Kontra Krisis Program marks another milestone in its mission to generate and promote innovations that improve lives, create opportunities, and help communities thrive amid evolving challenges.