Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija - Top officials of PCARRDs’ regional network gathered to participate in the 7th National Joint Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) Chairpersons and Consortium Directors’ meeting held on February 25-26 at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
The meeting kicked off with the recognition of past consortium officials.
Another highlight was PCARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon’s presentation of PCARRD’s policy directions for 2010 (See banner story). Faylon expounded on the worsening effects of climate change and how the agriculture, forestry and natural resources (AFNR) sector can adapt especially through the implementation of the different science and technology (S&T) priorities of each region.
Other research and development (R&D) policies such as on food security in support of the new Science and Technology Agenda and TechnoMart Program, upscaling of Science and Technology-based Farms (STBF), institutionalization of the Techno Gabay Program, crafting of the CorPlan, and on the National Rice R&D Network were also presented by Faylon.
Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Director for Institution Development and Resource Management (IDRM) Richard M. Juanillo explained the criteria of a good quality management system and the 2010-2011 list of the priority non-degree training courses for the Council’s regional network.
On the other hand, Deputy Executive Director for R&D Danilo C. Cardenas discussed the status of PCARRD-Grants-In-Aid funds for R&D and the increase in the cash prizes for the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development’s best R&D paper categories.
Finally, Livestock Research Division Director Edwin Villar presented the accomplishments and directions of the National Goat R&D Program.
Also, the participants visited PCARRD-supported project sites in Nueva Ecija like the Goat Enterprise Development Project, Palay Check and Palayamanan demonstration and training farm of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, STBF on milk production and quality, CLSU’s organic farming program, and quarantine site for the National Goat Dairy Development Program.
The Central Luzon Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium hosted the joint meeting and field visits.