DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Junel Soriano, represented by Julia A. Lapitan, OIC-head, Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Linkaging Division, served as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the opening ceremony of this year’s Science and Technology Week of the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) on 24 October 2023.at SLSU Main Campus, Lucban, Quezon.

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. 

Anchored on the theme, Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kabuhayan, the four-day celebration emphasizes the importance of constantly developing and improving technologies, as well as bridging these innovations from researchers and students to their intended end-users, such as farmers, fisherfolk, consumers, and the public.

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