As part of its commitment to the country's progress and innovation, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) sponsored the 3rd International Conference for Governance and Development (ICGD3) held online from July 19 to 21, 2023.
Themed, "Governance and Development in Transition: A Post-Pandemic Discourse," the conference fostered dialogue on reimagining governance and development models in an era marked by pandemics, climate change, digital revolutions, gender inequality, and much more. ICGD 3 also highlighted the pressing need for adaptable and inclusive systems that respond to the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders.
A total of 292 participants from various state universities and colleges, national government agencies, private institutions, and foreign universities gathered to explore emerging trends and challenges in governance and development.
On the conference's second day, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora joined the plenary session focused on Governance and Development Issues in Agriculture and Rural Development. This session was presided over by Mr. Hadji Jalotjot of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and featured discussant Prof. Nelson Jose Vincent B. Querijero of UPLB, along with distinguished speakers Dr. Fay Rola-Rubzen of University of Western Australia (UWA) and Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in plenary sessions and paper presentations that delved into various themes, including human security, agriculture, rural development, and local governance.
During his presentation, Dr. Ebora emphasized the importance of innovation in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors. He further highlighted several strategies, such as the Agri-Aqua Business Hub, gender and development programs, and the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra COVID-19 Program, all initiatives that the Council had implemented.
Furthermore, the conference featured several PCAARRD-funded projects in two parallel sessions. One session focused on small lake governance for inclusive development, and the other focused on integrated governance approaches for sustainable management and efficient utilization of water resources and interconnected ecosystems.
The discussions led to recommendations for strategic research, technology transfer, capacity building, and policy advocacy. ICGD3, in addition to its immediate outcomes, has laid the groundwork for forthcoming initiatives, including compiling plenary speeches for a collaborative book project. It also underscored the significance of cultivating governance and development communities through various activities, such as webinars, workshops, and collaborative projects.
The success of the ICGD3 emphasized DOST-PCAARRD's commitment to driving transformative change in the face of global challenges. Through fostering dialogue, encouraging collaboration, and sharing knowledge, the conference shapes more inclusive and resilient governance and development systems that address the complexities of a post-pandemic world.
DOST-PCAARRD has been extending financial support to qualified professional, scientific, and academic institutions engaged in activities aligned with the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.