In a significant step towards agricultural development and addressing global challenges, DA met with representatives from the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to explore areas for collaboration and utilize CGIAR's expertise to effectively support the priorities of the Philippine government.
DA undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro, with the participation of key DA Officials including undersecretary for Bureaus Mercedita A. Sombilla, assistant secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Junel B. Soriano and assistant director Joell H. Lales attended a meeting on 23 February 2024 at the Discovery Suites Manila.
On the CGIAR side, the delegation was headed by the executive managing director Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, along with key officials from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Dr. Ajay Kohli. and Joanna Jane-Potaka.
Director Soriano led the discussion on various research for development (R4D) initiatives with the different CGIAR centers, highlighting DA-BAR and IRRI’s collaboration over the past eight years.
“We are thankful to DA-BAR for all the projects supported but we want to get to the next level. We want the Philippines to be fully self-sufficient and the Philippines going out and saying ‘We have done this and IRRI has helped us in that.’ That’s our goal.” Dr. Ajay Kohli said.
Potential areas of collaboration were explored during the meeting, specifically on agri-fisheries developmental studies to support R&D priorities, development of farmers' institutional capacities, policy support and implementation, knowledge sharing on various strategies, and technology transfer. Dr. Phat and Dr. Kohli provided insights on rice varieties which can pave the way for future cooperation in agricultural innovation.
Further to the discussion, director Soriano emphasized the need for a collective action, “We have to work together, not individually, IRRI, PhilRice, local government units, and regional field offices. We need to plan for a big program and all stakeholders, all players must be there.”
He also reaffirmed the intention of increasing the collaboration with other CGIAR centers to fully utilize the partnership’s potential and explore other R4D initiatives in crops, livestock, fisheries, water, and other related areas. Dr. Ismahane reiterated CGIAR’s support for this endeavor and expressed readiness to organize meetings with other centers to realize these aspirations.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen the collaboration between DA and CGIAR, emphasizing the mutual resolve to accelerate agricultural development for the benefit of Filipino farmers and communities.