latest

NEWS & EVENTS

Aug 06, 2025

DA-BAR, partners bolster ethical standards in agri-fisheries R4D

August 06, 2025 | Angelo N. PaduraTo advance integrity, accountability, and transparency in research for development (R4D), the DA-BAR conducted a seminar and roundtable discussion on research ethics on August 6, 2025, as part of its 38th anniversary celebration.   DA-BAR OIC-Assistant Director Raymond Patrick Cabrera, in his message, underscored the pivotal role of the bureau, as the agriculture department’s research arm, to take the lead in developing a coherent approach to upholding ethical standards across DA-funded R4D initiatives and activities.“Ethical oversight is not optional, it safeguards the rights, dignity, and welfare of the participants, while ensuring research outputs are credible, transparent, and socially responsible,” Cabrera said.He noted that agri-fisheries R4D often operates in complex, multi-stakeyholder environments where researchers directly engage with farmers, fishers, and local communities. In these contexts, ethical standards serve as foundation for meaningful, impactful research.  Participated by research implementers from DA regional field offices and technical staff of the bureau, the seminar delved into the foundational principles, protocols, and institutional mechanisms governing research ethics in the conduct of agri-fisheries R4D.Rizza Eve Mendoza, International Rice Research Institute’s technical expert and seminar’s resource speaker, underscored that institutional compliance, biosafety, and ethical oversight play crucial in bridging field-based and collaborative research activities and partnerships for the agri-fisheries sector.As a follow-through activity, DA-BAR convened with technical experts from DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards in a roundtable discussion meeting, to chart its ways forward in institutionalizing research ethics within the R4D ecosystem.Key discussions during the meeting include possible development of internal guidelines, partnership mechanisms, and capacity-building frameworks to strengthen commitment to ethical research conduct. 

newsevent

Aug 05, 2025

Lales: Teamwork, collaboration fueled DA-BAR’s success

August 4, 2025 | Rena S. HermosoThe week-long celebration of DA-BAR’s 38th anniversary, with the theme “Driving Progress, Delivering Impact,” commenced with the Director’s Report delivered by OIC-Director Joell H. Lales.“This week’s celebration is a tribute to the hard work of our people, the trust of our partners, and the resilience of the communities we serve,” he began.In his report, Lales underscored past year’s achievements and collective milestones. DA-BAR ranked as the third top agency within its cluster in the department’s Performance Appreciation System. He recognized that this success was a result of collaborative efforts, which generated the outputs and impressive results that earned the bureau recognition as a top-performing implementing agency. He detailed the bureau’s key achievements, which included:Bolstered partnerships and networks. These efforts included an International Symposium on Partnerships, active participation in various regional and international meetings, and the signing of several MOUs with key partners.Strengthened technology management. Set to be launched later this year, the Technology Management Protocol and Technology Readiness Assessment Protocol will streamline technology development, ensure effective management of innovations, and facilitate informed decision-making throughout the R4D process.Intensified knowledge sharing and information dissemination. On top of the regular publications and social media campaigns, the past year saw the successful run of the Research Talks segments and the launching of Market Talks. This progress was further supported by the development of advanced information systems that boosted organizational productivity.Lales also emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “We cannot do it alone, nobody can do it alone. As leaders, we cannot accomplish this without the support and cooperation of our hardworking staff.”He also recognized the administrative and finance teams for their unwavering support that ensured the smooth running of the bureau’s daily operations. The bureau was able to fill nine plantilla positions and implement critical learning and development interventions, including a training on the New Government Procurement Act. These teams also made infrastructure improvements, including office renovations, facility repairs, and the installation of a rainwater harvesting system.Lales reminded everyone of the importance of work-life balance in achieving a state of well-being that fuels long-term productivity and success in both their personal and professional lives. He quipped, “We have to realize that there is a bigger life outside of work. If we consume ourselves with too much work, then the life [we are missing] outside of our work cannot be replaced.”He concluded his report by urging everyone “to carry forward the momentum of their achievements with greater purpose and resolve.”“The impact we made is a testament to what we can accomplish together—with clear vision, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to transform Philippine agriculture through science and innovation,” he said.

newsevent

Aug 05, 2025

“Farmer impact must define research” – DA Chief

August 4, 2025 | Daryl Lou A. BattadAgriculture Chief Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. called on the DA-BAR to deepen its focus on results-driven, inclusive research for development (R4D) that directly benefits farmers and fisherfolk. The message, delivered by Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger V. Navarro during the bureau’s 38th anniversary celebration in Quezon City, emphasized that agricultural progress must be measured by how many farmers benefit, and how many lives were improved. “This year’s theme, ‘Driving Progress, Delivering Impact,’ is a powerful reminder of what public service in agriculture should look like – purposeful, measurable, and rooted in the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk,” the Secretary’s message read.Secretary Tiu Laurel also reiterated the DA-BAR’s research mandate must tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, market volatility, and technology gaps, directing the bureau to sustain its work in transforming research into practical, scalable technologies and practices. “We cannot overcome today’s challenges without research that is grounded, collaborative, and inclusive, he added, noting the DA continues to rely on BAR to lead in generating these innovations. Further, he also urged the bureau to deepen its partnerships with the academe, local government, and other organizations to ensure that R4D investments will ultimately yield better productivity, stronger farming and fishing communities, and reliable and sustainable food systems. The week-long anniversary celebration features technology exhibits, product showcases, and capacity-building and knowledge-sharing events reflecting DA-BAR’s continuing push to bring R4D initiatives closer to adoption and commercialization.Now in its 38th year, the DA-BAR remains strategic and responsive in advancing the Department’s food security and modernization goals through science-based interventions across the agri-fisheries sector.

newsevent

Aug 04, 2025

Research innovations highlight DA-BAR’s 38th anniversary

Aimed to promote the outcomes of DA-BAR’s research for development (R4D) efforts, the bureau showcases research-based products and technologies from August 4 to 8, 2025 at its Innovation Hub and office grounds in Diliman, Quezon City. The exhibit features R4D outputs from DA-BAR’s implementing partners, with a wide array of product lines from mango, pineapple, mungbean, brown rice, ubi, mushroom, pili, and fish, among others. The initiative marks the bureau’s ongoing efforts to bring science-based technologies closer to the market. Private sector companies are participating in the week-long exhibit, offering food, beverages, and non-food products for sale. DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger V. Navarro, representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel, Jr.,  led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening of exhibits. Joining him were DA-BAR OIC Director Joell H. Lales and OIC-Assistant Director Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera, and special guests IRRI Director General Yvonne Pinto, former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, and bureau staff.With the goal to further commercialize the showcased R4D technologies and products, DA-BAR aims to explore potential partnerships and ventures that support profitable agricultural enterprises. Exhibitors are expected to engage with guests, including potential investors and market stakeholders throughout the event, reinforcing the bureau’s commitment to transforming R4D outputs into viable agri-based enterprises. 

newsevent

Jul 17, 2025

DA-BAR leads cross-sector push for MASAGANA rice R4D

July 14, 2025 | Lea B. CalmadaTo harmonize and strengthen coordination in support of MASAGANA rice R4D goals, the DA-BAR convened the 3rd MASAGANA Cross-Functional Technical Working Group Meeting on Rice Research for Development (R4D) on July 14, 2025. The meeting aimed to align rice R4D initiatives under the MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP), with focus on increasing productivity, reducing production costs, and promoting climate-resilient technologies. In his message delivered by DA-BAR OIC-Assistant Director Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera, OIC-Director Joell H. Lales emphasized the shared vision for achieving a rice-secure Philippines. He outlined major targets, including reaching 90-95% rice sufficiency by 2028, reduced production costs from PhP 8 to PhP 6 per kg, and 80% adoption of climate-resilient technologies. The strategy revolves around four main pillars: Location-specific yield optimizationClustering and consolidationDigital information technologiesAgro-industrial linkagesAmong the notable rice R4D technologies ready for commercialization and scaling include: Rice Seed Information System (RSIS) developed by PhilRice and the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)New climate-resilient rice varieties developed by IRRI, PhilRice, UPLBMulti-purpose Seeder developed by PhilRicePictorial Guide for Rice Disease and Pests developed by IRRI, PhilRice and BPIThese innovations align with the MATATAG and NAPAPANAHON strategies under MRIDP, and are aimed at increasing access to farmer-ready technologies that respond to pressing production and market challenges. The meeting gathered key rice R4D stakeholders including the National Rice Program, PhilRice, PhilMech, BPI, UPLB, and IRRI, to reinforce the synergy and ensure synchronized implementation of the country’s rice R4D initiatives.

newsevent

Jul 15, 2025

NIAHS ExeCom convenes, polishes guidelines for heritage site identification

The DA-BAR, acting as the interim secretariat, organized the third Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting of the Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS). The meeting took place on July 15, 2025, at the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila.DA Assistant Secretary U-Nichols A. Manalo, permanent representative for NIAHS ExeCom chairperson Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., co-presided over the meeting with DA-BAR OIC-Director Joell H. Lales, NIAHS ExeCom vice chairperson. Representatives from NIAHS ExeCom member-agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the NCCA, participated in the meeting.Key discussions centered on amending the DA-DENR-NCCA-NCIP Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 Series of 2023. This circular outlines the rules and regulations for recognizing and confirming NIAHS sites and establishes mechanisms for their dynamic conservation and sustainable use.Other important topics included developing sub-criteria for identifying NIAHS sites and preparing guidelines for their official recognition. Each member agency shall create a Technical Working Group to develop the NIAHS sub-criteria and indicators. Ultimately, NIAHS aims to support the conservation and sustainable management of the nation's biodiversity by recognizing, preserving, and dynamically conserving unique agricultural systems and their associated traditional knowledge. This initiative directly contributes to safeguarding the nation's agrobiodiversity and empowering local communities for sustainable management. Biodiversity, or "Saribuhay" in Filipino, is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, which provide essential services like food and clean water and air—all fundamental for human survival and well-being.#BagongPilipinas #R4DinAction #BiodiversityCollaboration #NIAHSExeCom