“This convention shall further emphasize PCARRD-DOST scholars who assume leadership roles in S&T (science and technology) development. Your greater participation in strengthening research capacity is highly needed using technologies and approaches that are socially and economically relevant”.
This was the message of PCARRD Executive Director Dr. Patricio S. Faylon to the PCARRD-DOST scholars during the 4th National Biennial Convention of the PCARRD Scholars Association Inc. (PSAI) held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City.
Former PCARRD scholars, who now may be considered trailblazers in the field of S&T, attended the event. Other guests included Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan, Inc. (AGHAM) Party List Representative Angelo B. Palmones, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner William C. Medrano.
The convention was aimed at determining the roles of scholars in effecting change; creating an environment that will enable PCARRD scholars to assume leadership roles in S&T development; and showcasing PCARRD-DOST scholars’ success or best practices in S&T development.
This year’s theme, “PCARRD-DOST Scholars: Leading change in S&T through excellence, relevance, and cooperation” emphasizes the development of innovative approaches to advance frontier research in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resource management and development in the country. It also addresses the challenge of PCARRD-DOST scholars to be key players in the global arena while engaging in local S&T through their scientific and technological expertise.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of PSAI members who excelled in their fields of expertise. The William D. Dar Research and Development Award went to Dr. Anabella B. Tulin, professor from the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (Philrootcrops), while Asian Development Bank (ADB) consultant, Dr. Lope A. Calanog, received the PCARRD Technology Dissemination and Utilization Award.
Other awardees included Cagayan Valley Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVARRD) Director, Dr. Edmundo C. Gumpal, who was given the PSAI Administration Award. On the other hand, Dr. William D. Dar, director general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), received the PSAI Lifetime Achievement Award.