The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Graduate Alumni Association (DPGAA) (formerly the PCARRD Scholars Association) held its 2017 Biennial Convention at the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), in Magalang, Pampanga last November 8-9, 2017.
With the theme, “Capacitating S&T leaders towards ASEAN Integration”, the convention aimed to strengthen partnership and collaboration among the scholars to come up with programs and innovations that would help the country achieve competitiveness in the ASEAN region.
This is in line with the ASEAN goal of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2025.
Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, Jr., president of both the DPGAA and PSAU, enjoined the delegates to work together to help improve lives of Filipinos.
In his message, Dr. Soriano acknowledged that much of what the alumni have accomplished professionally as a result of the benefits they have gained from their scholarship, they owe it to the Filipino people. Thus, he exhorted the delegates to “maximize our efforts and work together so that we will have a nation at par with our ASEAN neighbors.”
During the opening plenary session, three distinguished alumni also shared what they think can help us gain competitiveness amid the ASEAN integration.
Dr. William D. Dar, former Executive Director of PCARRD, former Director General of ICRISAT, and currently the President of InangLupa Movement, outlined what needs to be done to address issues on poverty and development, most especially in the agriculture and rural sectors. He proposes agripreneurship and corporative as strategies to improve farm productivity and incorporate processing/manufacturing produce to access and be competitive in both the local and foreign markets.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, country coordinator of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), discussed the climate, disaster and development nexus. To better improve and accelerate the nexus, he encouraged the delegates working on the social development goals, disaster and climate change to collaborate ad work closely. He also recommended that research efforts that facilitate integration needs to be done.
On the other hand, Dr Tereso A. Abella, president of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), discussed how to advance S&T development through the establishment of a progressive aquaculture industry.
After the plenary session, alumni who have recently completed their scholarship presented their research studies. Nine studies on agriculture, aquatic, forestry, and natural resources and seven studies on cross-cutting concerns were presented in parallel sessions.