The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently conducted a five-day training session aimed at enhancing the data analytics skills of various professionals of its partner organizations in Mindanao.
Dubbed as “Training-Workshop on Data Analytics for the Future (DAF-X),” the training is designed specifically for researchers, data journalists, science communicators, educators, and beginners in data analytics. It emphasizes the importance of upskilling to improve work outputs.
Participants were taught the fundamentals of data analytics, simple dashboard development, data visualization, and basic statistical tools for data management.
Organized by DOST-PCAARRD's Institution Development Division, the activity marks the second installment of the training, following a successful initial session held on November 28-December 1, 2023, at DOST-PCAARRD. It underscores DOST-PCAARRD's commitment to fostering capacity building and enhancing the skill sets of professionals in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors.
By equipping participants with essential data analytics skills, the training aims to improve the quality and efficiency of their work, ultimately contributing to the development and sustainability of this vital sector in the Philippines.
Thirty-three participants attended the session, representing a diverse range of institutions and regional consortia. These included Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 9, Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), Northern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (NOMCAARRD), Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC), SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), and DOST-PCAARRD.
The resource speakers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) were led by Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante, Professor and Dean of UPLB Graduate School. The team was also joined by Dr. Pamela A. Custodio, Mr. Ben Paul B. Dela Cruz, Mr. Emerson R. Rico, and Mr. Norvin P. Bansilan who all shared their expertise and guided participants through the intricacies of data analytics and its practical applications.
The training was made possible through the collaborative efforts of DA-RFO 9. Key figures such as Regional Executive Director Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr.; Officer-in-Charge Regional Training Director (RTD) of Research, Regulation, and Integrated Laboratory Division Director Maria Gemma S. Genaldo; and Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program completers Dr. Ernie C. Camacho and Dr. Rictibert T. Pamunag were instrumental in bringing this valuable opportunity to Mindanao.
