In line with its commitment to strengthening governance frameworks in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) highlighted policy innovation and governance insights at the 4th International Conference on Governance and Development (ICGD).The event was held from July 31 to August 2, 2025, at Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok, Thailand.
Representing the Council’s Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD), Ms. Monica B. Castillo, Ms. Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio, and Ms. Charmaine Angela B. Trillana participated in the conference, which carried the theme “Governance for Impact: Championing Global Citizenship and Empowering Communities.”
During the first day of the conference, DOST-PCAARRD, through SERD, sponsored and convened a parallel session, “DOST-PCAARRD Panel: Innovative Governance for Sustainable AANR Communities: Bridging Local Actions and Global Impact.” The session highlighted key findings from PCAARRD-funded projects, each contributing valuable perspectives on sustainable governance.
Mr. Francis John Faderagao presented their study,“Effective Small Lake Governance Through Decision Support System,” which introduced a tool designed to help local government units integrate scientific and community data in sustainably managing small lake ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Ms. Roxanne Bragais shared findings from their paper, “Can Natural Capital Accounting be Undertaken by Local Governments? Insights from the Philippine Context,” emphasizing the need for technical capacity, institutional coordination, and enabling policies to support natural capital accounting in local planning and budgeting.
Adding to this, Ms. Gemmalyn Trespalacio presented “Ecosystem Services Assessment for Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines,” highlighting the value of combining local ecological knowledge with scientific data for more effective planning and management.
Rounding off the session, Ms. Monica Castillo discussed how communities of practice and advocacy coalitions shape R&D policy reforms, particularly in science governance and procurement, as outlined in their paper, “Communities of Practice in Action: Advocacy Coalitions and Policy Change for Impactful R&D in the Philippines.”
Participants underscored the importance of translating research outputs and innovations into accessible formats that directly benefit farmers, fisherfolk, local communities, and stakeholders. They also call for further studies and expanded outreach efforts, affirming that “science not communicated is always wasted.” The presenters strongly supported this recommendation, highlighting their participatory approach in co-designing innovations with end-users to foster ownership, relevance, and sustainability.
On August 1, Ms. Castillo and Ms. Trillana served as session chair and co-chair, respectively, for the parallel session, “Governance and Leadership Innovations” under the theme, “Institutional Innovation for Inclusive and Equitable Community Development.”
During the session, the following papers were presented:
- Framework Development on the Use of Educational Technology in Community Development Activities in Selected Youth Volunteer Organizations in the Philippines, Ms. Patricia Anne Torreta Medina;
- Sociospatial Determinants of Innovation Adoption in a Small Island Fish Drying Community in Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines, Dr. Tristan Laplana Abando;
- Food Governance Across Food Environments in the Philippines: Institutional Challenges and Policy Gaps, Mr. Kurt Adrian Warguez;
- Intergovernmental Transfers and Local Resource Generation: Insights from the Philippines' Fiscal Decentralization, Dr. Mayo Grace C. Amit; and
- Local Government Finance Excellence: The Case of the Top Performing Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities for FY 2023, Mr. Marlon C. Ebaeguin.
This conference supports DOST-PCAARRD’s priorities and programs under the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) for the AANR sector. DOST-PCAARRD provides financial support to qualified professional, scientific, and academic organizations that carry out initiatives in line with the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and strategic priorities.