To look into and assess possible interventions that could further boost the results of research for development (R4D) interventions, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) OIC-director Joell Lales, together with DA-Central Luzon regional technical director (RTD) for Research, Regulatory & Integrated Laboratories Dr. Arthur Dayrit, met with Lupon ng Itanglew sa Ganap na Asenso (LIGA) on 16 February 2023 at Sitio Itanglew, San Marcelino, Zambales.

An Indigenous People’s Organization and among the partners of the R4D project “Accelerated Production and Commercialization of Purple Yam in Selected IP groups in Central Luzon”, LIGA shared with DA-Central Luzon and DA-BAR their volume of purple yam production and their ongoing partnership with MAYANI, an agri e-commerce platform that markets farmers’ produce in a digital agri value chain. Also discussed were other identified agricultural needs of the community.     

Marlon Tiglao, LIGA chairperson, shared during the discussion the identified agricultural needs of the community, including those related to water access and transporting of goods, which greatly affect their productivity. In response, RTD Dayrit committed to send technical staff from the regional office to assess and provide necessary support to address said needs. OIC-director Lales recommended an assessment of R4D services and interventions that may be prioritized and implemented in and by the community through the regional office.

Municipal agricultural officer of San Marcelino, Zambales Remin Sardo and agricultural center chiefs of DA-Central Luzon research outreach stations– Dr. Emily Soriano, for Upland Development, Magalang, Pampanga, and Robinel Ocampo, for Lahar and Ash Laden Areas, San Marcelino, Zambales, participated in the discussions.