Representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) director Junel B. Soriano graced the Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development’s (CVAARRD) 45th anniversary celebration on December 19, 2023 at the CVAARRD Complex, ISU, Echague, Isabela.
“We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in history—a moment where the confluence of science, technology, knowledge, and collaboration offers us unprecedented possibilities. Our commitment to liberalizing the utilization of R&D/E results reflects our dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that the benefits of our endeavors reach far and wide. It is not enough for our discoveries to remain confined within the walls of laboratories; they must be catalysts for change, beacons guiding us toward a future where sustainable practices and innovation harmoniously coexist,” emphasized director Soriano in his address.
Aptly themed, Unlocking Potential: Liberalizing the Utilization of R&D/E Results for Modernized and Science-based Innovations in Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources, the celebration highlighted the consortium’s accomplishments during the Consortium Director’s Report, as well as recipients of the Best R&D papers and posters during the 34th Regional Symposium on R&DE Highlights.
Likewise, the director reaffirmed DA-BAR’s role in ensuring maximum utilization of R4D outputs for the AANR sector. He expressed the bureau’s continuous commitment to provide R4D interventions that will respond to the pressing needs and challenges of the sector.
The event was graced by various officials and consortium stakeholders such as Regional R&D Coordinating Council Chair and CVAARRD and Isabela State University president Ricmar P. Aquino, DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional director Angel Encarnacion, Department of Science and Technology undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro M. Gatchalian, DOST Regional director Virginia G. Bilgera, and DOST-PCAARRD deputy executive director Melvin B. Carlos.