“This event serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation within our research community, and a space where ideas converge to shape the future of our nation,” DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Junel B. Soriano highlighted this in his keynote message during the 2nd National Research and Development Conference of the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) held on 5 December 2023 in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Themed People-centered R&D in Universities: Building Agile and Sustainable Communities, the said conference convened researchers and key officials from BASC and other state colleges and universities.
Director Soriano furthered on the bureau’s utmost commitment in supporting research for development (R4D) projects, in partnership with state universities and colleges, toward effective dissemination of research outputs. “The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research as the department’s research for development arm, extends its full support to BASC and its ethical pursuit of knowledge and responsible dissemination of research outputs particularly in the field of agriculture and fisheries,” he said.
Also as part of the event, director Soriano and BASC president Dr. Jameson H. Tan took part in the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Upgrading of the Food Innovation Center of BASC.
To be supported under the DA-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) R4D grant program, the project aims to upgrade the existing BASC’s food innovation center into a Food and Drug Administration standards-compliant facility. Further, the facility shall act as a shared service avenue for farmers and food processors in conducting capacity-building activities and training to improve their agripreneurial skills and expertise.