In line with the 51st Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the Joint PCAARRD Special Directors’ Council (DC) and Regional Consortia Meeting was held on November 9, 2023 at the RD Guerrero III Hall, DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC).
From left to right: Deputy Executive Director for RD Juanito T. Batalon and Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, joined Deputy Executive Director for ARMSS Melvin B. Carlos in presenting the renewal of the ERCP for Year 2 implementation. (Image credit: Janela Rances R. Gonzaga, OED-ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
The event was attended by 116 individuals representing all 15 Regional Consortia, referred to as the DOST-PCAARRD in the Regions. This gathering included DOST-PCAARRD DC members, Consortia focal persons and alternates, Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) Chairpersons, Consortium Directors, other officials and staff from the Consortia, and other DOST-PCAARRD staff.
The program comprised three distinct parts: the Joint Meeting of PCAARRD DC and the Regional Consortia, the Recognition, and the Fellowship Night.
The Joint Meeting focused on the following: Presentation of the year 1 accomplishments of the Enhanced Regional Collaborative Program (ERCP), Renewal of the Year 2 ERCP implementation in the Regions, and Presentation of the Revised Guidelines and Criteria of the Ugnay Award. The major accomplishments of the 15 Consortia were presented through an informative audio-visual presentation. Each Consortium’s notable strides were showcased, offering a panoramic view of their positive impact on the regional agricultural landscape. The commitment and dedication of the Consortia were further emphasized by the approval of a substantial budget amounting to P24,716,964.00 for the Year 2 implementation of the ERCP across all 15 Consortia.
Officials and staff from 15 regional consortia actively engage during the event. (Image credit: Janela Rances R. Gonzaga, OED-ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
Following the productive deliberations at the Joint Meeting, a Recognition Program was conducted, honoring the dedication and service of former Consortia officials. Plaques of Recognition were given to former RRDCC Chairpersons and Consortium Directors. Simultaneously, new officials were welcomed into the leadership roles, acknowledging their commitment to contribute to the continued success of DOST-PCAARRD-supported initiatives in the regions. This seamless transition symbolized the Council's commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders.
The celebration continued with the Fellowship Night. Performances from DOST-PCAARRD staff took the stage, showcasing their talents that extended beyond the boundaries of research and development. The 1st Consortia Idol contest was organized by the Consortia Operations Unit of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (ODED-ARMSS) of DOST-PCAARRD wherein the officials and staff from selected Consortia stepped out of their professional roles to reveal their hidden singing talents, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and unity, and adding a touch of friendly competition to the celebration.
Ms. Jylyn V. Cornelio of WESVAARRDEC won the first-ever Consortia Idol. (Image credit: Janela Rances R. Gonzaga, OED-ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
As the Joint DOST-PCAARRD and Regional Consortia Meeting came to a close, it left a deep sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to collaborative excellence. The event’s success also served as proof of the persistent spirit of cooperation and innovation driving the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.