As the bureau continues to elevate research for development (R4D) response for resilient agriculture and fishery food systems amid the pandemic, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) celebrated its 34th anniversary on 24-27 August 2021 in Diliman, Quezon City and livestreamed at the bureau’s official Facebook page.
With the theme “BAR@34: Pagdiriwang para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita ng mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda,” series of activities were conducted during the four-day event led by DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio Mamaril.
In his opening remarks and Director’s report, he underscored how the bureau responded to challenges brought by the pandemic and how it adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the agriculture and fishery R4D by recalibrating its strategies.
“Last year’s story of resilience is only a small fraction of the similar but intertwined narratives that [DA-]BAR has been in its 34 years of existence. Circumstances and people may have been different but the attitude and response have stayed the same. The bureau continuously works hard to improve the implementation of its budget and we have remained relevant to our stakeholders. The professionalism, cooperation, and support of the bureau’s staff and our partner research institutions have all contributed to what the bureau is today and how the bureau will fare in the years to come,” he said.
Further, director Mamaril discussed the bureau’s significant accomplishments in 2020 through its funded programs, activities, and projects, as well as their alignment to DA’s core strategies: modernization, industrialization, consolidation, and professionalization. Specifically, notable R4D funded technologies and support services were highlighted—reflecting significant contribution to productivity and profitability improvements, farm-level application, among others.
DA-BAR assistant director Joell Lales led the announcement of the bureau’s adherence to ISO 9001: 2015 standard. As certified by TÜV Rheinland, the bureau maintained its ISO certification after successfully passing the Second Surveillance Audit (remote) on 5 August 2021.
Assistant director Lales concluded the celebration. “Diyan nakikita ang katuturan ng research for development—na hindi lang tayo puro sa papel lang o mga report. Iyan ay may pinatutunguhan o pinakikinabangan, [and] that is the essence of this celebration.
Ako, sa ngalan ng bureau, ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat po ng nagtulungan para dito: sa lahat ng ating kawani mula sa baba hanggang sa mga opisyales, and of course sa ating direktor na napaka-supportive sa lahat ng ating ginagawa,” DA-BAR assistant director Lales said during his closing message.