The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently hosted a virtual inception meeting, serving as a collaborative platform for project teams and administrative personnel from four implementing agencies—Davao Del Sur State College (DSSC), Sorsogon State University (SorSu), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Bureau of Plant Industry – Los Baños National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI-LBNCRDPSC). Representatives from the funding and monitoring agency, DOST-PCAARRD, were also present.
The meeting set the stage for the effective execution of newly approved projects by discussing guidelines, defining objectives, aligning resource allocation, and clarifying roles and responsibilities among stakeholders. The session commenced with opening remarks from Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director Noel A. Catibog, who underscored the significance of the inception meeting in setting clear directions for project implementation. He highlighted the importance of adhering to DOST-PCAARRD Grants-In-Aid (GIA) guidelines, emphasizing the technical, administrative procedures, and reportorial requirements necessary for successful project execution. Dir. Catibog also encouraged project teams to maintain close coordination with TTPD personnel for timely assistance in addressing any implementation challenges.
During the meeting, the TTPD staff provided an overview of DOST-PCAARRD GIA guidelines, addressing questions and ensuring a shared understanding of the key processes involved. Each project leader then presented their projects, receiving feedback to refine implementation strategies.
Among the projects discussed were the following:
- “S&T Community-Based Farm (STBCF) for Sustainable Production and Market Linkage of Smallholder Seaweed Growers Group” of DSSC, which seeks to improve the production and market linkage of seaweed farmers in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
- “Empowering Fisherfolks through the S&T Community-Based for Inclusive Development (STC4iD) Modality in Barangay Behia, Magallanes, Sorsogon” by SorSU, which aims to establish a sustainable AANR-based livelihood and promote inclusive development in Magallanes, Sorsogon through the STC4iD modality.
- “Mangrove Blue Carbon Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond: A Science-Policy Forum Towards Future-proofing Livelihoods and Technologies to Conserve Mangroves” by UPLB, aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing on the science of mangrove management, good local/traditional conservation practices, persistent and future policy challenges, and strategies towards promoting sustainable management of mangroves enhancing local resilience and human well-being.
- “Upscaling Adoption of S&S Plaza Innovations Towards the Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) Farm Replication” by BPI-LBNCRDPSC, which intends to enhance the adoption and replication of the S&S Plaza innovations towards establishment of LGU-based SciCAT farms.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these impactful science and technology interventions. With clearly defined objectives and aligned efforts, these projects aim to deliver meaningful outputs and contribute to inclusive, sustainable development across target communities.