Since the creation of the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) in 1987, it has remained a reliable and outstanding ally, truly deserving to be called, the “Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) in the Region.”
PCAARRD, one of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Councils, recently participated in SMAARRDEC’s commemoration of its 35th year.
SMAARRDEC is a unified regional research and development management system, which aims to develop Region 11’s countryside. It is one of the 15 regional consortia that DOST-PCAARRD established all over the country.
In a video message, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora shared that he considers the creation of SMAARRDEC as a “landmark undertaking where member-institutions are committed to collaborate and share resources to pursue research and development in order to achieve a common vision for development of the region’s agriculture, aquatic, natural resources and environment sectors and economy in general.”
Ebora also underscored that SMAARRDEC has been PCAARRD’s reliable partner in developing and delivering technologies, knowledge and information, and S&T services to users and beneficiaries in the region.
Further, he commended the Consortium for its exemplary performance in executing the Council’s mandates on research management and governance.
From August 16 to 18, the University of the Southeastern Philippines (USeP) in Davao City was the venue for the celebration’s opening and awarding ceremonies and other activities such as the Techno Gabay Conference; Regional Symposium on Research, Development and Extension Highlights; Technology Pitching and Industry Forum; Regional S&T Exhibit, and Famers and Fisherfolk Forum.
Since 2003 to the present, USeP has been SMAARRDEC’s base agency, succeeding the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 11 as the Consortium’s host from 1987 to 2002.
Heads and other ancillaries of the Consortium’s 28 partner member agencies were present during the milestone event. Representing DOST-PCAARRD was its Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos. The Council likewise participated in the S&T Exhibit.
The Consortium’s coral anniversary was themed “SMAARRDEC@35: Strengthening AANR industries and communities towards a resilient and economically competitive Davao Region.”