In line with the development of a unified and integrated Agriculture and Fisheries (A&F) Research for Development and Extension (OneDA R4DE) system, Task Force-One Research for Development and Extension Agenda and Program (TF-One R4DEAP) was created to craft a harmonized R4DE Agenda and Program integrating DA-BAR’s National Research and Development and Extension Agenda and Program (RDEAP) and the ATI’s National Extension Agenda and Program (NEAP), through the DA-Special Order NO. 32 Series of 2022.
DA key officials, TF-One R4DEAP members, and University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) R4DEAP project team convened on 13 June 2022 at DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Rural Development and Education Center and via Cisco Webex. The said meeting covered presentations and discussions to further improve the proposed harmonized R4DE agenda and programs under the said system.
UPLB vice chancellor for research and extension Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan and College of Public Affairs and Development-Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies director Dr. Aileen Lapitan, presented the highlights of the One R4DEAP.
The presentation focused on the new prospective thematic areas of R4DE along the OneDA Reform Agenda. Likewise, the institutional challenges, and plausible strategies to operationalize the One R4DE system were highlighted. The roles of the key actors in the system such as DA agencies, local government units, and research implementing agencies were also discussed during the meeting.
In terms of potential areas for an integrated R4DE, the UPLB has identified four aspects, namely, knowledge management, technology incubation, scaling of technologies, and co-creation and co-design of technologies.
DA chief of staff and undersecretary for research, innovation, training and extension support Dr. Leocadio Sebastian recommended strategies to operationalize agriculture and fisheries R4DE continuum: 1) consider the co-creation and co-design concept to ensure smooth flow of technologies within the continuum; 2) develop guidelines to strengthen the R4D and E interface; and 3) support activities towards scaling and commercialization.
DA-BAR assistant director Joell Lales mentioned the bureau’s strategic pursuit of private sector involvement in the scaling technologies. BAR-RPDD acting head Raymond Patrick Cabrera added that the bureau together with other agencies is also in the process of crafting the DA’s Intellectual Property Policy and Technology Transfer Protocol. The bureau coordinates with the Food and Drug Administration to ensure ease of compliance in registering products from technologies developed.
On determining the impact of R4DE investments in programs, projects, and activities,
Undersecretary for DA attached agencies Rodolfo Vicerra highlighted the significance of measuring the adoption of research outputs and its societal impact. Dr. Virginia Cardenas, consultant of ATI, seconded and proposed policy review and development in one of the potential areas of integration for One R4DEAP.
Undersecretary for high value crops and rural credit Evelyn Laviña underscored the importance of understanding the roles of each agency in the One R4DEAP or in the R4DE continuum process for an effective initiative. Further to this is the need for the development of guidelines to implement the R4DE continuum with a purposive intent for Gender and Development—inclusive of youth and women.
The document will be further enhanced by UPLB incorporating the suggestions and recommendations made during the presentation. Once finalized, the document will be submitted to the Office of the Secretary for approval. (### Maria Elena M. Garces and Matthew Jansen C. Ty)