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Transforming agriculture: DOST-PCAARRD and World Vegetable Center sign MOU for innovation
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Transforming agriculture: DOST-PCAARRD and World Vegetable Center sign MOU for innovation

In a groundbreaking reunion aimed at spearheading agricultural innovation, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) work together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This event, held in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, heralds not just a formal agreement but the dawn of a new era in collaboration that focuses on tackling crucial challenges in the agricultural sector.

Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General of the World Vegetable Center, echoed Dr. Ebora's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of vegetable production and consumption in addressing nutritional challenges. Dr. Wopereis outlined the historical ties between the Philippines and WorldVeg, highlighting initiatives to promote vegetable production and consumption in the country. (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)

DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora expressed his enthusiasm during the ceremony and highlighted the collaborative efforts in various critical areas, such as germplasm conservation, cultural management, integrated pest management, postharvest development, decision support systems, and smart farming approaches. He emphasized a shared commitment to innovation and research, underlining the importance of addressing crucial challenges in agriculture.

The MOU outlines a broad scope of cooperation between DOST-PCAARRD and WorldVeg, encompassing joint research and development, scholarships, exchange programs, information sharing, and organizing joint events. Specific areas of collaboration include germplasm conservation, cultural management, integrated pest management, postharvest development, decision support systems, and smart farming approaches.

(From left to right) Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division Director Lilian Bondoc, Institution Development Division Director Fezoil Luz Decena, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Juanito Batalon, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora, WorldVeg Director General Marco Wopereis, Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani Pelegrina, Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) Officer-in-Charge Maria Teresa de Guzman, CRD Supervising Science Research Specialist Sharie Al-faiha Lubang, and ARMRD Science Research Specialist II Kathleen Faith Villarma. (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Key provisions of the MOU include mechanisms for intellectual property management and dispute settlement procedures. The agreement, valid for 5 years with provisions for its extension, sets the stage for impactful projects and initiatives to transform the agricultural landscape and improve the lives of farmers and communities. 

Both parties agreed to implement initiatives on various fronts, including value chain policy studies and adaptability trials. With concerned technical division directors present, the event symbolized a collective commitment to driving agricultural innovation in the Philippines.

As the partnership between DOST-PCAARRD and WorldVeg takes shape, stakeholders can anticipate transformative projects that promise to revolutionize agriculture and ensure food security for all. Together, these organizations are poised to make significant strides toward sustainable farming practices and equitable access to nutritious food in the Philippines and across borders.