Over 100 participants from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and its 15 Regional Consortia gathered for a pre-anniversary celebration on November 8, 2024.
Held as a pre-event of the Council’s 52nd anniversary celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the two-part event acknowledged the contributions of the Regional Consortia. It also reaffirmed DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment to supporting their vital work.
The activity commenced with a Special Director’s Council (DC) meeting chaired by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora.
Year 2 consolidated accomplishments of the Enhanced Regional Collaborative Program (ERCP) implemented by the 15 Consortia were presented by Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services. The ERCP has been the main mechanism for joint planning, monitoring, evaluation, and resource sharing and generation for the development of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector in the regions. A budget of approximately P25 million to support its final year of implementation was approved by the DOST-PCAARRD DC.
Following the Special DC meeting was a recognition program that celebrated the vital role of the Regional Consortia in fostering innovation and delivering solutions that benefited the AANR sector. This recognized the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of DOST-PCAARRD’s 15 Regional Consortia and their leaders, whose dedication has been instrumental to the collective success.
Dr. Ebora expressed his gratitude to the 12 former and outgoing Consortia officials this year and awarded them plaques of recognition. He warmly welcomed the nine new Consortia officials, inspiring them to carry the legacy of excellence. Further, he encouraged all participants to celebrate shared milestones and embrace future opportunities with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.
The recognition program continued with the presentation of special awards to the Consortia. With the conferment of the Ugnay Award this year, the distinguished top 6 Consortia were recognized, in no particular order: Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD); Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) Consortium; Southern Tagalog Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research, Development and Extension Consortium (STAARRDEC); Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP); Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC); and SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC).
The Council also acknowledged the valuable contributions and expertise of the Consortia through the following special recognitions:
- Excellence in Capability Building Award: Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC)
- Excellence in Partnerships Award: Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC)
- Excellence in Private Partnerships Award: Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC)
- Excellence in Resource Generation Award: Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD)
- Excellence in Fund Utilization Award: Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD)
- Excellence in Social Media Engagement Award: Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCAARRD)
- Excellence in Technology Promotion Engagement Award: Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC)
- Grit and Growth Award: MIMAROPA Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (MAARRDEC)
Dr. Raquel M. Balanay, CCAARRD Director, was also awarded the Outstanding Service Leadership Award for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. She has been serving CCAARRD for over seven years, driving significant achievements and fostering a culture of partnership and collaboration.
Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for R&D, delivered the closing remarks. He honored the remarkable achievements of the Consortia in agricultural research and community development over the past year. He also urged the Consortia to maintain forward momentum as they tackle future challenges and innovations in the AANR sector. Moreover, Dr. Batalon concluded with a powerful call to strengthen partnerships and build on previous successes for greater regional impact.