Key officials, researchers, and staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) visited the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research for a briefing and orientation on Technology Commercialization Program and Product Development on 15 May 2024 in Quezon City.
Ethcel Princess P. Libang, DA-BAR Technology Management Section head, discussed the process of product development and technology commercialization, including DA BAR’s R4D Programs. She emphasized the relevance of conducting market-oriented research and the bureau’s requirements for its programs and projects.
Libang also highlighted the importance of a paradigm shift for the sector, aiming towards a more entrepreneurial attack on agri-fisheries, “gusto natin na yung ating mga farmers at mga beneficiaries magbago iyong mindset nila kasi karamihan sa mga farmers hindi nila tinitingnan ang farming and fishing activity as a business. Kung hindi mababago pagtingin nila, hindi talaga aangat yung kabuuan ng mga farmers and fisherfolk.”
Led by MAFAR-BARMM’s director Tong Abas of the Research, Development and Extension, the visit is part of MAFAR-BARMM’s efforts to capacitate their researchers and enhance their Food Processing and Development Center (FPDC) to deliver technologies in the field of food development.
Abas is optimistic that they will be able to develop products given the support provided to them. “Siguro by 2025, meron na tayong mailagay na tayo dito sa Tech Comm Center [DA-BAR Innovation Hub] ng DA-BAR,” he said. He further remarked that their minister is fully committed to the region’s product development, by supporting the capacity development of its researchers and scientists from the different research outreach stations.
The event concluded with a visit inside the DA-BAR Innovation Hub (formerly known as R&D Technology Commercialization Center), which showcases products developed by partner agencies from different regions of the country, and is, at the same time, a manifestation of BAR’s commitment to the small farmers and fisherfolk through scaling up technology based industries.