Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña served as the keynote speaker of the 7th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
Held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City, the celebration was highlighted by the recognition and awarding ceremonies of the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).
The NSAARRD recognizes the contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of research and development in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sector.
Included in this year’s awards are the Best Research and Development (R&D) Paper Awards, the Dr. Elvira O. Tan Awards, and the Ulat SIPAG Awards.
These awards, according to the order that they are mentioned, recognize the pursuit of quality R&D activities, publication of R&D results in reputable scientific/technical journals, and popularization of science and technology articles for the interest of the AANR sector.
Secretary de la Peña commended PCAARRD’s legacy as a leader of innovations in the AANR sector, as embodied in the theme of the Council’s celebration: Excellence in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources innovations.
De la Peña likewise cited PCAARRD’s provision of its major services in the form of S&T policies, R&D management, technology transfer and promotion/commercialization, and enhancing of S&T capability and governance.
“These services contribute in making science and technology responsive to actual needs and prevailing concerns in the AANR sector,” de la Peña said.
“They are also instrumental in terms of environmental protection and conservation strategies, achieving increased productivity, addressing environmental hazards, and promoting partnerships and collaborations towards efficient utilization of R&D resources,” he added.
In his message, the secretary underscored the need to ensure the strong dissemination/transfer of knowledge and technologies to be able to address certain concerns of the agricultural sector such as improving the livelihood of the marginalized farmers and fisherfolk and the reduction of agricultural imports and postharvest losses, among other concerns.