Participants of the Co-Production Forum with officials from UPLB, the implementing agency and DOST-PCAARRD, the funding agency. (Image credit: UPLB Project Team)
The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) hosted the "Co-Production for AANR" forum on July 25 and 26, 2024, at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Auditorium. Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the event aimed to advance research and development in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector by establishing a comprehensive co-production framework.
Co-production, as defined by UPLB project team, encompasses processes of co-creation, co-design, co-implementation, and monitoring and evaluation involving key implementers and stakeholders. This approach aligns with PCAARRD’s four banner programs: Strategic R&D, R&D Results Utilization, Capacity Building and R&D Governance, and Policy Research and Advocacy.
The two-day forum brought together a diverse group of 65 stakeholders, with both in-person and online participation. The forum featured distinguished guests, including UPLB Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel C. Bantayan, DOST-PCAARRD Policy Analysis and Information Management Acting Unit head Monica B. Castillo, and UPLB Dean of the College of Human Ecology Jennifer Marie S. Amparo. Plenary speakers who contributed to the event included Dr. Lorrae Van Kerkhoff from the Australian National University and Dr. Eduardo S. Araral from the National University of Singapore. The plenary speakers delved into the evolution of co-production concepts, theories, and recent research, providing a global perspective.
The following case presenters highlighted practical applications within the Philippine context: Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo of UPLB, Dr. Judith Intong of Central Mindanao University, Asst. Prof. Jan Antoni Credo of Silliman University, and Dr. Roby V. Pagong of the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Several focus group discussions were conducted during the forum to refine the working definition of co-production and develop a framework tailored to PCAARRD's research and development agenda in the AANR sector. These discussions among key stakeholders from government agencies, academic institutions, and industry representatives provided a platform for sharing knowledge and insights regarding the participants’ experiences in applying the concept of co-production in AANR initiatives.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to develop and refine the co-production framework, ensuring its inclusivity and relevance for sustainable industry programs nationwide. Future steps include piloting and refining the framework through new research projects on co-production.
This forum is part of a project, "Developing a Framework on Co-Production for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Projects," led by Dr. Dhino B. Geges of UPLB's College of Human Ecology, Department of Social Development Services. The project aims to create a working definition and framework for co-production that promotes engaging and ethical research and development.
For more information about the project, please visit its Facebook page: www.fb.com/CP4AANRForum.