DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research assistant director Joell H. Lales underscored the significance of research for development (R4D) technologies in addressing the challenges being faced by fruit farmers in a plenary discussion at the 30th National Fruit Symposium on 3 October 2023 in Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte. 

Specifically, Lales highlighted the BAR-supported technologies on mango, banana, pineapple, jackfruit, among other fruits, which contributed to increased fruit quality and quantity.

After the presentation, Lales, together with BAR technical staff Alvin Fontanil and Matthew Janssen Ty, proceeded to the Abuyog Experiment Station to discuss the regional office’s initiatives on scaling agricultural technologies. Specific to these are the projects under the bureau’s Sustainable Community-Based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity program. 

In a meeting with DA-Eastern Visayas regional technical director (RTD) for Research and Regulations Elvira C. Torres, Research Division chief Leonarda Londina, and Abuyog Experiment Station superintendent Alicia Dagami Bulawan, Lales emphasized the need for grounded initiatives to enhance technology transfer and scaling of developed agricultural technologies.

The team also visited the Babatngon Experiment Station at Babatngon, Leyte on 4 October 2023 and met with its superintendent Rolando B. Hipe and San Jorge Experiment Station superintendent Joel Cantoneros. Here, Lales discussed the need for research experiment stations to identify, assess, and scale out mature agriculture and fisheries technologies. 

The meeting also reviewed research proposals drafted and prepared by DA-Eastern Visayas researchers. In response, Lales advised to ensure that proposals contain research for development activities or initiatives that can directly address the needs and challenges of the farmers and fisherfolk in the country. (### Matthew Ty and Maria Ruby Lumongsod)