Taking off from the bureau’s National Agriculture and Fisheries Research for Development and Extension Agenda 2023-2028, the bureau advanced its priority research for development (R4D) areas on enhancing sustainable resources for agricultural development among the members of the ASEAN Technical Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development (ATWGARD).
The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), as the department’s R4D arm, represented the Philippines in the recently conducted Eighteenth Meeting of the ATWGARD (18th ATWGARD) on April 24-25, 2024 in Singapore.
To formally commence the session, DA-BAR director Dr. Junel B. Soriano, as the outgoing chair of the 17th ATWGARD, extended his gratitude among the ASEAN member states for their wholehearted dedication, unwavering commitment, and relentless endeavors to propel forward the agricultural research and development goals of the ASEAN. He also formally turned over the chairmanship to Singapore through its Singapore Food Agency for the 18th ATWGARD.
“As we once again convene for the 18th ATWGARD meeting, let us take this opportunity to advance economic cooperation; promote cultural exchange; and address our regional challenges in terms of agricultural research & development (R&D)”, he furthered.
Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera, head of the DA-BAR Program Development Division and the bureau’s official representative for the said meeting, presented the country report which highlighted the various R4D programs and impact pathway of the bureau, and its R4D plans and program in support of sustainable agriculture and nature based solutions.
Among those mentioned are R4D programs for the next medium term, specifically on climate change resiliency; upland farming development; soil health and water resources conservation and management; genetic resources conservation, organic agriculture, precision and smart agriculture; and transboundary pest & disease management. He also shared the country’s efforts on the aerobic rice production system wherein the packages of technologies and strategic plans for further promoting the system were presented.
Additionally, various ASEAN member states delivered brief presentations highlighting their individual nations' initiatives and interventions. They also appealed to fellow members for support in achieving their collective vision of enhancing food security through agricultural R&D. During the open session on the second day, development partner institutions were invited to present their agri fishery programs for implementation in the ASEAN region to seek guidance and collaboration with the ASEAN member states.
The ATWGARD convenes annually to deliberate on various matters emerging from several ASEAN engagements. It serves as a platform for exchanging information and fostering collaboration among member states in the realms of food security, agriculture, and forestry.