A workshop was recently supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) to capacitate researchers in packaging research and development (R&D) proposals toward uplifting the crops sector in CALABARZON.
The workshop titled, “Research-Readiness: Orientation-Workshop on DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division’s Priority Commodities and Researchable Areas,” was hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office IV-A (DA-RFO IV-A) at the Quezon Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (QARES) in Tiaong, Quezon.
Attendees of the workshop titled, “Research-Readiness: Orientation-Workshop on DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division’s Priority Commodities and Researchable Areas,” hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office IV-A (DA-RFO IV-A). (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
During the workshop, DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division (CRD) representatives presented the DOST Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, specifically the crops R&D agenda, priority crops, and initiatives. This guided researchers from DA-RFO IV-A in identifying priority research areas and aligning their research proposals under the Council’s Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs).
The Council also discussed the DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA) guidelines and provided technical recommendations on the researchers' capsule proposals for further improvement.
According to DA-RFO IV-A Research Division Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-Chief Eduardo R. Lalas, the initiative will help their researchers in packaging R&D projects that can open more ways to accelerate the progress of the crop sector in the region.
ISP Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra listens to one of the participants as they discuss their proposed R&D initiative. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DA-QARES representative Dennis D.L. Bihis emphasized that the activity is an initial step toward engaging in a long R&D partnership with the Council.
Meanwhile, DA-Lipa Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (LARES) Chief Virgilia D. Arellano added that the activity is the first in a long time that the station connected with DOST-PCAARRD. She also expressed her anticipation for the packaging of R&D proposals for possible funding of the Council.
Nineteen researchers and staff from the agricultural research and experiment stations of DA-RFO Region IV-A from Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, and Cavite participated in the workshop.
CRD Assistant Director Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang, Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section Assistant Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman, ISP Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, and other key CRD staff represented the Council during the activity.