On November 10, 1972, the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (PCAR) was founded to bring together and streamline national research efforts in agriculture (crops and livestock), forestry, and fishery. Fifty-two years later, the organization was renamed to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) after the consolidation of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) on June 22, 2011 per Executive Order No. 366. With the consolidation, DOST-PCAARRD continues to strive for excellence in national research and development (R&D), all while addressing the urgent challenge of sustainability in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors.
This year, DOST-PCAARRD celebrates its 52nd founding anniversary with the theme, “GALÍNG PCAARRD: Excellence in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources R&D for a sustainable future.” The theme aligns with the Council’s efforts towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. To achieve the goal, the UN called for “increased investment in research, development, and demonstration of technologies to improve the sustainability of food systems everywhere.” Through cutting-edge research, DOST-PCAARRD is not only helping to meet these global goals but also ensuring that its work directly benefits the communities and industries that rely on sustainable food production systems.
Sustainability science in research
DOST-PCAARRD continually applies sustainability science in its research efforts, by leveraging collaboration among scientists, researchers, and most importantly the communities and industries it serves. This approach places importance on honing healthy connections between human society and the environment, specifically within interconnected social-ecological systems.
Currently, the Council has 38 Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs) for commodities in crops, livestock and poultry, inland aquatic, marine resources, and forestry, including a special focus on environmental services and climate change.
The Council recognizes the dire effects of climate change especially in the AANR sectors. Agricultural productivity is constantly hampered by the effects of climate change, which include extreme floods, above-average rainfall, droughts, soil degradation, and increased occurrence of insect pests and diseases. However, it should be noted that the agriculture and aquatic sectors are major contributors to worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 22% of the total emissions in 2010 (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’s [UN-FAO] Climate Smart Agriculture Sourcebook). FAO further highlighted that to help mitigate climate change, sustainable technologies and general agricultural development, designed to enhance productivity, should be introduced. By DOST-PCAARRD championing sustainability science in its research efforts, it aims to contribute to climate change mitigation and to ensure availability of food resources.
Aside from promoting sustainability science, DOST-PCAARRD has been addressing national challenges as they arise.
The country has been battling with the African Swine Fever (ASF) that has affected a total of 1,017 municipalities in 76 provinces in all regions since 2019 (Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture). In line with its monitoring role, DOST-PCAARRD oversees the Virology and Vaccine Research Program (VRP), which was conceptualized and implemented last year under the program leadership of Dr. Annabelle V. Briones of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).
A project of the VRP program, led by Dr. Fredmoore L. Orosco, focuses on the virtual screening of secondary metabolites from Philippine medicinal plants for their antiviral activity against swine viruses. Two medicinal plants, Euphorbia nerifolia (soro-soro) and Andrographis paniculata (sinta) were identified to potentially inhibit ASF virus proteins. Six potential antivirals were seen as best performing therapeutics against ASF that can benefit swine farmers, animal virology researchers, and veterinary drug developers in the country.
Recent research has identified key strategies to manage the Fall Armyworm (FAW), a pest threatening major crops like corn, sugarcane, and onion. Among 38 weed species studied, Poaceae was identified as FAW’s likely alternate host, and genetic analysis suggests that the pest arrived through migration or human assistance. Biological control methods showed promise, with Metarhizium rileyi as the most effective fungus and Steinernema abbasi nematodes showing higher infection rates than others. A phenology-based model indicated that 97% of the Philippines is at risk of FAW infestation, especially in high-risk areas like Cagayan and parts of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, nine conventional and one botanical insecticide were found effective, with experts recommending the rotation of such insecticides to prevent resistance. A broader program combining insecticides, biological controls, and cultural practices has been launched to combat FAW in sugarcane, corn, and onion, while raising farmers’ awareness about management options.
The Asiatic Palm Weevil (APW) poses a serious threat to the Philippine palm oil industry, reducing yields and impacting local livelihoods. To address this, the Council, in partnership with the Visayas State University, is advancing sustainable APW management in Eastern Visayas. Efforts include identifying risk areas, monitoring pests in coconut plantations, and testing effective biological control agents (BCAs) for mass production. Committed to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the Council also supports genetic analyses and pest mapping to inform targeted strategies, protecting both the industry and local communities.
Response to ensuring food security
Innovation lies at the core of DOST-PCAARRD’s mission to secure the country’s food supply. Part of this, DOST-PCAARRD funds projects that would enhance crop productivity and sustainability, such as cutting-edge research and initiatives in genomics and biotechnology to improve crops such as coconut, rice, tomatoes, and eggplant.
In line with enhancing crop productivity, researchers are working on better ways to manage pests and diseases. These include the development of advanced software for pest detection in Queen pineapple by the Camarines Norte State College, which uses a database of over 50,000 images to identify and classify common pests. Moreover, an IPM strategy was developed to combat the sineguelas leaf beetle, which involves applying muscardine fungus, releasing pentatomid bugs, rotating insecticides, and manually removing affected shoots. Lastly, a project is investigating the Banana Bract Mosaic Disease (BBrMD) affecting Saba and Lakatan. The project intends to address the disease as it has recorded a 45-100% incidence rate in Saba and Lakatan in the country.
Additionally, 30 research projects were funded by the Coconut Hybridization Program of DOST-PCAARRD through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund. These projects aim to enhance coconut production through the collection and expansion of coconut genetic resources, profiling hybrid varieties, improving site-specific cultural management practices, and developing IPM strategies. Additionally, the program includes training on climate-resilient farming systems and upgrading pollen processing facilities to enhance pollen quality for hybridization. Key institutions involved in these efforts include the Philippine Coconut Authority, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Visayas State University, Capiz State University, Davao Oriental State University, Romblon State University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University.
Climate change is impacting marine species, including mesophotic sponges and corals. To address this, scientists are using next-generation sequencing to study how mesophotic sponges and corals in the country adapt to deep-sea conditions and a changing marine environment. Research is also guiding the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by looking at how corals and deep reefs are connected. Aside from the development of MPAs, researchers are also exploring ways to help shallow-water corals recover from environmental stresses.
The growth rate of saline-tolerant tilapia will be aided with coconut oil developed as a bioactive feed additive. Coconut oil bioactive feed is more affordable, which will greatly benefit tilapia growers, fish cage operators, coconut farmers, and the broader aquaculture industry.
Also part of improving food security in the aquaculture industry is the development of a mussel hatchery and nursery technology to address low mussel production and the need for clean and quality seed stock. This development has led to a partnership with the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) National Fisheries Development Center’s (NFDC) National Shellfish Program, which will facilitate field testing and deployment of the technology nationwide. This initiative aims to improve mussel farming and ensure a more reliable food source for communities.
To aid coconut farmers utilize more environment-friendly agricultural machinery, a solar-powered dryer has been developed for drying white copra and other agricultural products. This innovation is just one example of the many technologies developed to improve farming efficiency and better manage agricultural resources, while also reducing environmental impact.
These are only some of the many R&D initiatives led by DOST-PCAARRD, all aimed at promoting sustainability and strengthening food security. The Council extends its gratitude to its partners for collaborating in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing these projects. Through these joint efforts, the Council hopes to uplift communities, protect the environment, and ensure the future generations continue to thrive with abundant, and secure food resources.