August 4, 2025 | Daryl Lou A. Battad
Agriculture 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.