Representatives from Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) with Dr. Gasmen, Resource Person, and TTPD staff. (Image credit: John Carlo Oxima, TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
A comprehensive and engaging three-day training-workshop on Packaging Modality-Based Programs and Projects was held at Cebu Quincentennial Hotel, Cebu City on November 11–13, 2024. The event brought together 44 dedicated extension and deployment practitioners from 21 Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) across the country.
This activity was organized by the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) as a significant step in strengthening the proposal development capacities of CMIs. The program aims to equip CMIs with the tools, knowledge, and best practices necessary to develop strong, relevant technology transfer proposals aligned with the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) and PCAARRD Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP)."
DOST VII Regional Director J Dr. Jesus F, Zamora delivered the welcome message. (Image credit: John Carlo Oxima, TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Engr. Jesus F. Zamora, Jr., Regional Director of DOST Regional Office No. VII delivered the welcome message. He emphasized that the persistent challenges faced in the region are not due to a lack of innovation, but rather the difficulty of effectively transferring and applying developed technologies into practical, impactful solutions for the communities and industries. Despite the wealth of advanced technologies, many innovations remain underutilized because translating them into viable, scalable projects requires a strategic approach to packaging, proposal development, and implementation. He underscored that the training was designed to provide the participants with the skills needed to transform research outcomes into actionable, market-ready solutions that truly make a tangible difference.
In his opening message, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, the Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD, warmly welcomed the participants to the event. He reiterated that this training represents a collaborative effort to provide each organization with the skills and insights needed to bridge the gap between innovation and application. He further emphasized that the activity was designed to equip participants with approaches tailored to the unique needs of regions and communities, highlighting that every technology transferred and every project launched, has the power to create tangible impacts on the ground.
Dr. Gasmen shared tips on packaging winnable proposals. (Image credit: John Carlo Oxima, TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The esteemed resource speaker, Dr. Andrew Gasmen, Assistant Professor III of the University of the Philippines (UPLB), guided the participants by generously sharing his extensive knowledge and refined skills in packaging winnable proposals particularly for extension projects.
Likewise, Mr. Joselito Payot, PCAARRD S&T Consultant, provided valuable insights and suggestions during the presentation of the concept proposals on S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF), S&T Community-Based for Inclusive Development (STC4iD), S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE), Quick Response Proposals (QRP), Food Value Chain (FVC), Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SCiCAT), and Inclusive Science for Livelihood in Agri-Aqua (ISLA) modalities.
Mr. Payot provided valuable suggestions during the concept proposal presentation. (Image credit:John Carlo Oxima, TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
This collective effort not only enhanced the competencies of the participants but also contributed to the broader advancement of technology transfer initiatives across the regions.
As a result of this collaborative effort, DOST-PCAARRD envisions enhanced opportunities for further engagement with more CMIs. This shared commitment is expected to bring science and technology-based interventions to partner communities through meticulously crafted extension and deployment proposals, fostering innovation and sustainable development.
In closing, Director Noel A. Catibog of DOST-PCAARRD- TTPD expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants who contributed to the success of the training. He acknowledged their dedication and active participation in discussions and activities over the three days. He also expressed being honored of being joined by regional partners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—united by the shared goal of developing more meaningful ways of transferring technology that genuinely address the needs of communities. The participants’ ideas, experiences, and knowledge were invaluable in strengthening the objectives of the event.
TTPD Director Noel A. Catibog delivered the closing remarks. (Image credit: Yolanda M. Tanyag, TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Director Catibog extended special thanks to resource persons, Dr. Andrew Gasmen and Mr. Joselito A. Payot, for their significant contributions and unwavering support. Their expertise helped deepen the participants’ understanding of technology transfer and how it can be effectively delivered to beneficiaries in communities.
Finally, Director Catibog emphasized that the training serves as a testament to the collective effort to make every technology and program more impactful. He encouraged participants to apply their learnings to create programs addressing the needs of various regions. He expressed hope that the discussions would lead to more initiatives, stronger collaborations, and better projects, ultimately expanding the reach of science and technology for meaningful progress and the benefit of more Filipinos.