The Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) conducted its Science and Technology Week on 24-27 October 2023 at SLSU Main Campus, Lucban, Quezon. Anchored on the theme, Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kabuhayan, the four-day celebration emphasized the importance of constantly developing and improving technologies, as well as bridging these innovations from researchers and students to their intended end-users– farmers, fisherfolk, consumers, and the public.

DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) director Junel Soriano served as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the opening ceremony. Represented by Julia A. Lapitan, OIC-head, Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Linkaging Division, director Soriano highlighted the importance of the agriculture and fisheries sector to the Philippine economy and the efforts of the bureau in supporting the development and utilization of agri-fisheries technologies and innovations. 

“DA-BAR, as the agriculture department’s national coordinating agency for all agri-fisheries research for development (R4D) initiatives and activities, constantly pursues efforts that underscore a responsive, inclusive, and transformative R4D toward the collective goal of “Masaganang Ani, Maunlad na  Ekonomiya,” Soriano said.

 He also acknowledged the university's commitment to education, science, and agriculture and expressed desire for continued collaboration in promoting responsive innovations for the betterment of Filipinos.

“I recognize this event as an effective venue to not only advocate for the innovations we have unlocked through R4D but also in shedding light to the very reason why these innovations are undertaken and

to whose service they are dedicated,” Soriano added.

Further, Lapitan also served as evaluator during the Best Booth competition participated by different institutions and campuses of SLSU.

DA-BAR has funded projects and researchers on the production, processing, and postharvest of various crops, poultry and livestock, and fisheries, among other commodities implemented by SLSU. Further, the bureau supported the establishment of an Organic Agriculture R&D Center, Integrated Research Laboratory, Apiculture Processing Center in Support to Organic Agriculture, and Food Processing Laboratory in the province. (### Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino)