The DA-BAR convened the reconstituted External Pool of Experts for research for development (R4D) Programs to level off their assigned roles and responsibilities, as well as the current thrusts and priorities of the bureau on 15, 17, and 23 August 2022 via Google Meet. 

Through Special Order No. 20 series of 2022, the bureau amended its External Pool of Experts for R4D Programs. The group shall provide assistance in formulating, updating, setting plans, guidelines and policies, and monitoring and evaluation of the various R4D programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) of the bureau. The pool is composed of scientists, researchers, and specialists from the DA’s national and regional offices, state universities and colleges, non-government organizations, private sector, and other government institutions. 

One of the significant updates in the reconstituted pool is the inclusion of Gawad Saka awardees and more representatives from the private sector—to further assist the bureau in ensuring the alignment of R4D interventions with the industry needs. 

With relevant experience, technically equipped, and actively involved in agriculture and fisheries R4D, they are expected to provide assistance to the bureau to ensure that PAPs are demand driven, outscaling ready, and sustainable and profitable to end-users. 

DA-BAR OIC-director Dr. Sailila E. Abdula highlighted the mandate of the bureau on research coordination and how it taps the best experts on agriculture and fisheries. 

“DA-BAR cannot do these alone. We fully acknowledged our pool of experts, among our steadfast partners in making plans into reality,” he said. 

Focals from the Research Program Development Division discussed the following topics: rationale of the activity; details of the Special Order on Creation of DA-BAR Pool of Experts for Different Program Areas; and Guidelines for the Selection/Renewal, Engagement, and Performance Evaluation of the DA-BAR Pool of Experts. 

Also, the meeting provided a venue to present the R4D thrusts and priorities and organizational structure of the bureau, as well as the process flow and requirements during in-house screening and en banc review of R4D proposals, and conduct of monitoring and evaluation of R4D projects funded through DA-BAR. 

The three orientation meetings were categorized based on field of expertise.

The first batch of participants were experts on the field of crop production, crop protection, biofuel and renewable energy, rice, soil and water resource management, and biotechnology. 

The second batch were  experts on the field of corn and cassava, rootcrops, plant genetic resources, farming systems, livestock and poultry, organic agriculture, and digital agriculture. 

While, the third and last batch were experts on the field of fisheries, technology commercialization, knowledge management, socio-economics, gender and development, climate change, and research facilities development. 

DA-BAR assistant director for Programs Joell H. Lales highlighted the bureau’s request to the members of the BAR Pool of External Experts. 

“Help us sift through the R4D proposals and identify their impact and scaling pathway. If they are sound investments. BAR to continuously improve [its] programs, processes, and systems…further strengthen [its] capacities…,” he said. (### Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino and Marnelie G. Subong)