The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) supported the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA, Inc.) in organizing the 11th PAA National Congress and 2024 Agriculturists Summit on July 1-5, 2024, at the Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga.
With the theme, "Building and Strengthening Partnerships for a Sustainable Agri-Food Systems," the Congress, under the leadership of its Chair, Dr. Roberto F. Rañola, Jr., focused on enhancing policy recommendations to uplift the agriculture profession and sector in the country. It was an amazing opportunity for agriculturists to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge, and share best practices for a greener and more food-secure future. It also built a stronger community dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers and food producers nationwide.
The event demonstrated the commitment of everyone involved to drive positive change in the agriculture industry. Attendees of the PAA event were able to gain valuable insights into sustainable agri-food systems, through the keynote address by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.
A glimpse to the 11th PAA National Congress and 2024 Agriculturists Summit held on Jul 1-15, 2024 at the Royce Hotel, Clark Pampanga. The Congress is a significant event that brought together over 1,270 licensed agriculturists and participants from various sectors, enjoined to discuss and collaborate on the future of agriculture in the Philippines. (Image credit: Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc.)
In Sen. Zubiri’s speech, he expressed his strong commitment to uplift the agriculture sector, support the Filipino farmers, and ensure that food prices are affordable for everyone in the country. He was also inducted by PAA National President Karen S. Bautista, and took an Oath as a Licensed Agriculturist under the Professional Regulation Commission.
The Summit also provided an excellent platform for participants to partake in plenary sessions, parallel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing the practice and profession of agriculture. The plenary sessions, focused on four major opportunities for the industry, emphasized its connection with crucial developmental issues essential for the establishment of a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector.
Future-proofing of the Philippine Agricultural Higher Education Curricula, through partnerships with key industry players, was highlighted as a key issue during the plenary session. Facilitated by UPLB Chancellor Jose dV. Camacho, Jr., the said session underscored the importance of forging and strengthening these partnerships to ensure the sector's continued success. The event left attendees feeling enthusiastic about the future of the agricultural industry.
The second plenary session highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with international cooperating agencies for inclusive and sustainable rural development. DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos facilitated the session and painted a vivid picture of the successes achieved through partnerships, the potential of engaging in networks, and the resulting impact on catalyzing change.
The equally enlightening discussions during the third session focused on the vital role of digitalization in driving sustainability within our food systems. Chairperson of Brain Trust, Inc., and former Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority Cielito F. Habito shared that the sessions were truly inspiring and emphasized the dire need to embrace technological advancements.
The fourth session of the agriculture summit was an inspiring call to action, urging everyone to refocus and realign their efforts towards creating a nutrition-sensitive, economically productive, and competitive agricultural sector. Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, led the plenary with passion and expertise.
It was a significant event that brought together seven Accredited National Professional Organizations, 17 regional chapters, and approximately 1,270 licensed agriculturists and participants from across the nation. All the participants enjoined to discuss and collaborate on the future of agriculture in the Philippines.
The event featured insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and the establishment of partnerships aimed at driving progressive change in the industry. Moreover, the production of 16 poster presentations and 1,300 souvenir programs served as a rich resource for further research and reference in the agricultural scientific community. The summit truly left a positive and hopeful impact, paving the way for a brighter future for agriculture in the Philippines.
Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., congress chair and incoming PAA National President in January 2025, expressed his gratitude for the turnout of the event. To better serve the stakeholders, and align with the DOST-PCAARRD’s banner programs on Strategic R&D, Capability Building, and Policy Research and Advocacy, he presented his plans in five-folds: continuing the lobbying of the passing of the Philippine Agriculturists Bills; instituting the PAA Young Agriculturists’ Chapter; continuing the active involvement in the agricultural policy landscape; promoting CSR activities and diversifying PAA partners, and strengthening the PAA regional chapters.
With unwavering confidence, the PAA is dedicated to continue its mission in empowering and continuously promoting professional development, and policy advocacy that benefit the sector. The success of the PAA Congress demonstrates the vital role the different organizations play in shaping the future of the industry.
The Congress fostered collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among professional agriculturists and industry stakeholders that will ultimately contribute to the advancement and sustainability of the agriculture sector in the Philippines.
DOST-PCAARRD has been providing augmentation funds to qualified professional/scientific and academic organizations that pursue activities in support of the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.