By Estrella Z. Gallaro

 

The Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) will commemorate its fourth Anniversary on June 22,2015 following the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Natural Resources Development-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Resources Development (PCAARRD PCAMRD) The occasion has the theme, “Enhancing Alliances, Optimizing Outcomes.” An exhibit which will feature PCAARRD and its partnership with local and International organization, strategic directions, banner program outputs especially agriculture and aquatic research and development outputs; will be showcased during the event.

Outstanding R&D (Research and Development Contributions in the Agriculture, Aquaic and Natural Resources (AANR) shall likewise be recognized through the Pantas and Tanglaw awards in simple rites to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in the said day

For the PCAARRD and other various organizational strategies to the word alliance has been an indispensable mantra to address economic environmental social and Technological concerns for what it does and what it wishes to do for the interest of the AANR sectors.

Allying with the Councils constant partners in years and estabilishing new ones Is just so indispensably linked with meaningful accomplishment of the Counsil, past, present, and those to come, For PCAARRD, no amount of effort will suffice without the contribution of its research and development allies.

PCAARD in its fourth year of consolidation ensures that its system is cleansed of the dregs of institutional individuality and centeredness. It refocuses and prospers from the legacy of excellence and brilliance separately achieved by the former agencies towards a common, unified, and intensified advocacy for the interest AANR sectors.

To achieve this, PCAARRD is poised to adopt a number of strategies to effect positive change among the various stakeholders in AANR sectors through the help of its most indispensable ally, the consortia.

Through the years, the consortia serves as a platform for regional science and technology planning, research and development (R&D) coordination, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource sharing. With the consortia, the Council recognizes that a research agency in itself, can never be adequate. The consortia provides a means of conserving scarce resources, minimizes research duplications, and enables the complementation and integration of R&D efforts, among other advantages.

As of December 2014, there are 13 regional consortia, including the newest consortium established on September 29, 2014, the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (ARMMAARRDEC). The consortia has a total membership of 226 agencies, 156 of which are R&D implementing agencies.

As token of how much the Council values its alliance with its partners, PCAARRD shall enhance its engagement with the consortia. These will include increase in funding support, provision of non-degree training programs, and assistance in infrastructure improvement., among other initiatives. With these, the Council hopes to draw more active involvement in programs, projects and organized activities and in achieving target deliverables and outcomes.

PCAARRD shall also formally adopt the zonal networks for aquatic and marine resources as a means of integrating the agriculture and aquatic sectors. The networks have a current membership of 119 agencies. The consortia, accordingly, shall also reflect aquatic concern in their respective acronym, hence the former Highland Agricultural Resources research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC), for one, shall now be name as Highland Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC).

PCAARRD and the 13 consortia have coordinated activities on how to operationalize the new engagement by June 2015 as agreed during the RRDCC Chairpersons, Consortium Directors, Fisheries Zonal Center Representatives, and PCAARRD Officials Meeting cum Workshop on Apri 21, 2015 at Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay City. PCAARRD values the terms of this new engagement, as laid down in a resolution executed during this activity

The Council considers the resolution as a vital instrument, and a source of support towards realizing its role under DOST Outcome One: to provide science-based know-how and tools that will enable the agricultural sector to raise productivity to world-class standards.

Dr Reynaldo V. Ebora Acting Executive Director of PCAARRD presented PCAARRDs Plans Programs and Directions during its Technology to People (TtoP)Media Conference at El Cielito Hotel, Makati City on May 21, 2015 where the fourth Anniversary of PCAARRD was announced May 21, 2015. Outstanding R&D contributions in the AANR shall likewise be recognized through the Pantas and Tanglaw awards in simple rites to be held at Philippine International Convention Center on the said day.

Meanwhile DOST’s avowal of public service will once more take center stage as it celebrates this year’s National Science and Technology Week on July 24-28 at SMX Mall of Asia, Pasay City with Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness as its theme.(PSciJourn MegaManila).