“SMAARRDEC needs to lead, not just in the generation of new knowledge, but also in R&D results utilization and technology transfer. After all, what is the value of scientific outputs if these are not used?”
This was the challenge of Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). He addressed this to the researchers and staff of the different agencies participating in the 30th Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights held at the Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City.
He noted that over the years “there have been disproportionate numbers of research versus development projects.”
This year’s symposium was no different.
As what Dr. Carlos has noted, there were 18 projects presented in the research category while only four were included in the development category. However, the featured papers were culled from the best R&D projects in the region chosen through the Agency In-house Reviews of the 25 consortium member agencies.
Moreover, another reflection of the vibrancy of the consortium’s R&D culture was the entry of 33 projects in the poster category.
Winners of the regional symposium will be nominated to compete in PCAARRD’s National R&D Symposium next year.
In closing, Carlos further added that the Consortium has to focus its attention in addressing the needs of environmental and conflict vulnerable areas as well as scale-up support to technology transfer to the poorest of the poor farming communities.
The regional symposium, along with the “FIESTA sa Dabaw” event, is part of the three-day celebration of the 30th founding anniversary of SMAARRDEC.