DA-BAR marked the culmination of a productive year during its 2025 Year-end Highlights of Accomplishments on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the DA-BAR Escaño Hall. The event served as a transparent reporting of the bureau’s significant strides in research for development (R4D), financial management, and organizational growth. 

Dr. Gian Carlo Espiritu, Head of the DA-BAR Planning and Monitoring Unit, led the presentation, detailing the bureau's success in delivering its four major outputs. For 2025, DA-BAR successfully supported 105 R4D projects and facilitated four Intellectual Property Rights applications. Furthermore, the bureau supported one Technology Commercialization project and provided critical development support for 28 emerging technologies. 

DA-BAR reported its fiscal performance, recording an 83.71% obligation rate and a 65.03% disbursement rate as of November 2025. Espiritu noted that while challenges like project liquidation persisted, intensive efforts in collaboration with the DA Central Office have been made to accelerate these processes among implementing agencies. The bureau's R4D grants totaled PhP 770 million for the year. Key highlights included the National Rice Program, which achieved a high disbursement rate of 68%, and the National Corn Program, which led in obligation rates at 95.77%. 

The bureau also reported significant progress on its flagship initiatives: 

  • Sustainable Community-based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE UP) Program: Currently piloted in five regions, this program has reached 4,600 farmer beneficiaries, showcasing developed technologies across 1.6 hectares of participatory technology demonstration (PTD) areas. 
  • Daily Price Index (DPI): Under Republic Act 12022, DA-BAR, in collaboration with DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, strengthened the DPI to combat agricultural economic sabotage. Eight DPI certifications have already been issued to support enforcement actions. 
  • Technology Business Incubation (TBI): Four TBI centers were established, with many reaching advanced operational stages to foster agricultural entrepreneurship. 

DA-BAR is actively preparing for the 2026-2028 cycle, with plans to update its Strategic Plan by early 2026. The bureau also aims to undergo organizational restructuring to regularize existing Contract of Service (COS) employees, ensuring a stable and motivated workforce. 

"These accomplishments are a reflection of the hard work of both our technical and administrative staff," Espiritu remarked, emphasizing that every effort contributes to the overarching goal of achieving food security and boosting local agricultural production. 

Looking ahead to 2026, DA-BAR will play a pivotal role as the Philippines chairs ASEAN, specifically leading the Priority Economic Deliverable focused on resilient and regenerative agriculture and fisheries systems.