The Western Visayas Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC) celebrates its 35th anniversary to recognize its founding- as well as new-member agencies through the PAGPASIDUNGOG 2023. This event was held at the Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City and via an online platform on May 31, 2023.
WESVAARRDEC is one of the consortia of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, delivering the keynote message of Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora Image credit: MRRD-PCAARRD
The oldest among the country’s R&D consortia in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, WESVAARRDEC was established in 1975 to address the main issues impacting the region’s AANR sector.
WESVAARRDEC’s Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) Chair, Dr. Raul F. Muyong opened the celebration by through a message.
“We would like to thank DOST-PCAARRD for its continuous support to our programs, projects, and activities not only in terms of financial support but in all aspects of our activities for we, as WESVAARRDEC, is the PCAARRD in the regions,” said Dr. Muyong.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, represented by DOST-PCAARRD Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) Director Mari-Ann M. Acedera, congratulated WESVAARRDEC on its 35 years of dedicated service and continuous assistance for the advancement and growth of the Western Visayas Region. He also emphasized “one-DOST-for-you” as DOST’s new battle cry, which has four key objectives: supporting economic and job growth; protecting wealth; promoting overall human well-being; and ensuring sustainability for future generations. Moreover, he noted that WESVAARRDEC is an active representation of the current advocacy platform and has continuously supported DOST-PCAARRD’s banner programs.
Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta and Dr. Raul F. Muyong giving the plaque of appreciation for DOST-PCAARRD to Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera. (from left to right)
Awarding of plaques of recognition to consortium member institutions (CMIs) highlighted the celebration University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Clement C. Camposano gave a special message in behalf of all the CMIs.
Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta, Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, and Dr. Raul F. Muyong during the awarding of plaques to CMIs. Image Credit: MRRD-PCAARRD
The activity culminated with a toast to WESVAARRDEC’s longevity and continued sustainability of R&D projects. Director, Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta, WESVAARRDEC Consortium Director ended the event with his closing remarks.