PHOTO RELEASE
Dr. Edwin C. Villar, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), delivered the keynote message during the opening of the FIESTA on Jackfruit at Iba Pa at the Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City Leyte on August 8, 2017.
Aside from jackfruit, the VSU FIESTA also showcases three other agricultural commodities (pineapple, coconut, and shellfish) during the two-day event which will wind up on August 9.
Villar explained the relevance of FIESTA as a traditional celebration among Filipinos in relation to PCAARRD’s FIESTA, as a technology transfer and commercialization platform. He said that it is during fiestas when the country’s agricultural products from poultry, dairy, vegetables, fish products, and other produce, peak their importance.
Because of this, FIESTA provides much relevance in showcasing the many gains of research and development in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors.
As conceptualized by DOST-PCAARRD, FIESTA aims to show the complete sphere of research and development as it treats with equal importance the whole agricultural value chain from production to processing to technology mainstreaming.
Through FIESTA, PCAARRD and its partners gather the various players of agricultural R&D, primarily the technology generators, farmers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase regional AANR technologies, innovations, products, and services; assist in the diffusion of technologies for better farming opportunities; and provide a true encounter of various research and development beneficiaries to maximize the benefits of particular products and commodities.
The FIESTA on Jackfruit, together with pineapple, coconut, and shellfish showcases the latest developments and technologies generated by the country’s researchers and the potential opportunities that these commodities and their by-products offer to their respective industries.
Villar recognized the combined effort of the member agencies of the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Program (ViCAARP) on research and development, which enabled the consortium to respond to the challenge posed by the Philippine Development Plan in bringing the fruits of science and technology to everyone especially to the marginalized farmers and fisherfolk in the countryside.