The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD), welcomed the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for a study visit on September 3, 2025. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase DOST-PCAARRD’s existing initiatives and to explore potential areas of collaboration in strengthening information systems and advancing data-driven initiatives for the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
The meeting focused on several key initiatives of DOST-PCAARRD aimed at enhancing AANR data systems focused on building a facilitative research and development (R&D) governance system and an inclusive science and technology (S&T) innovation system, such as the Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program - Information System (ISP-IS), Philippine Animal Breed Information System (PAB-IS), Socio-Economics Research and Data Analytics Laboratory, Centers, and Satellite Centers (SERDAL, SERDACs, and Satellite SERDACs), and Market Advisories.
Opening the discussions, Ms. Ruby Candano presented the ISP-IS, an online platform that houses information on DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISPs) in relation to the industry profile for wider dissemination. At the core of DOST-PCAARRD’s R&D agenda are the ISPs which serve as blueprints in translating the Council’s S&T vision into concrete programs for each industry. Each ISP provides information on industry and technology baseline, benchmark targets, S&T interventions, resources needed, timeline, network of implementers, and geographical focus. The ISP-IS consolidates these details into a centralized, accessible platform that benefits both internal and external users. For DOST-PCAARRD, it functions as an effective R&D management tool, enabling quick access to data for tracking the progress of ISP implementation, assessing research gaps, and guiding future S&T investments. For external users, ISP-IS serves as a knowledge hub providing pre-processed and timely data and information and the results of DOST-PCAARRD’s R&D activities on various commodity industries.
Several ISP-IS sections rely on data provided by PSA. The Industry Profile incorporates data from PSA publications such as the Agriculture and Fisheries Indicators System (AFIS). At the same time, the Quick Statistics section integrates production and marketing data from PSA’s OpenSTAT database. Ms. Candano also highlighted current challenges in utilizing PSA data, including the timeliness of data updates and the need for more seamless data integration. Discussions centered on improving system linkages, particularly through a proposed Application Programming Interface (API) that would allow direct integration of PSA datasets into ISP-IS.
PSA officials, led by Assistant National Statistician, Ms. Rachel C. Lacsa, acknowledged the value of ISP-IS and suggested collaborative approaches such as linking the ISP website to the PSA platform and arranging follow-up meetings with PSA’s Information Technology Dissemination Service (ITDS) Department to explore API integration, particularly with datasets sourced directly from the PSA OpenSTAT database. Clarifications on data referencing and integration protocols were also addressed to ensure proper attribution and standardization.
Complementing the ISP-IS, DOST-PCAARRD also presented other initiatives that contribute to the broader goal of strengthening the country’s AANR data landscape. Mr. Eric Perez introduced the PAB-IS, a platform developed in partnership with the Institute of Computer Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to provide accessible data and information on selected Philippine Native Pig, Philippine Native Chicken and ItikPINAS breeds. PSA recognized the system’s potential to complement its livestock and poultry parameters, signaling interest in further collaboration.
Furthering the discussion on socio-economic data, Mr. Christian John Manzano presented the SERDAL and SERDACs’ role in strengthening socio-economic research and data analytics capacities to support data-driven policy advisory for the AANR sector. This initiative is the first of its kind in the country, establishing laboratory centers and science satellite centers dedicated to socio-economic research and data analytics. Discussions with PSA highlighted the need for more granular datasets, harmonized data protocols, and the use of mechanisms such as the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) to ensure standardization. PSA also expressed interest in DOST-PCAARRD’s data initiatives, including the Bamboo Inventory System, Natural Capital Accounting, and satellite-based tools under the SARAi program, as inputs for agricultural statistics.
The DOST-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH), represented by Ms. Clarizel Joy Jamille Gomez, presented the Council’s Market Advisories, which provide timely situation reports and market outlooks based on monitored data, market scanning, and validation from multiple reliable sources. PSA commended these advisories for their practical value in data validation and emphasized the potential of joint efforts in producing foresight analysis and quick response reports during shocks, such as typhoons and other disruptive events.
The meeting concluded with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation in harnessing data and information systems to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development in the AANR sector. Moving forward, DOST-PCAARRD and PSA agreed to sustain coordination, ensuring that the initiatives discussed will translate into actionable partnerships that enhance statistical systems and strengthen support for the country’s AANR sector.