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NEWS & EVENTS

Feb 15, 2024

Soriano participates in NAST Focus Group Discussion

In a bid to address experiences on the policies and regulations adversely affecting Philippine R&D Output within the procurement system in the Philippines, stakeholders from government agencies, civil society of organizations, and the private sector convened for a Focus Group Discussion on the Alignment of the Philippine R&D System from a Domestic to a Global Network, on 15 February 2024 at Manila Prince Hotel. Spearheaded by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the discussion aimed to identify challenges, discuss best practices, and propose actionable recommendations for reforming the existing procurement processes.Participants commenced the discussion by examining the intricacies of the current procurement process. Emphasis was placed on the involvement of various stakeholders, ranging from government entities to suppliers and contractors. Several attendees also highlighted procedural complexities as major obstacles to efficiency.Director Junel B. Soriano briefly presented the bureau’s position on the procurement system and provided recommendations such as strengthening the advocacy to use an Integrated Management System (IMS) for the modernization and digitalization of the processes, involving research personnel in the workshops concerning the improvements being made, and having an optimum staffing requirement for a Procurement Office or  Unit within the agency.The conversation shifted towards an evaluation of existing legislation and regulations governing procurement activities. Participants acknowledged the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) as a cornerstone piece of legislation but emphasized the need for greater enforcement and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and accountability.Furthermore, identifying common challenges proved instrumental in making a way for constructive dialogue on potential solutions. Participants underscored the need for digitalization and capacity building initiatives to streamline processes and enhance the capabilities of procurement officers. Additionally, the discussion opened opportunities for collaboration with international partners and the private sector to leverage expertise and resources.Before the activity ended, the implementation of actionable recommendations and the monitoring of progress were highlighted. Participants assured that they will  remain actively engaged in ongoing reform efforts, underscoring their collective commitment to advancing the public interest through enhanced procurement practices.

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Apr 20, 2023

Promoting Good Agricultural Practices through DA-BAR webinar

“Ang atin pong mga farmers ay mayro’n nang kaalaman, ang importante lang is dapat ma-guide natin sila sa mas tama,” said Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) inspector and DA-Lipa Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (LARES) chief Virgillia D. Arellano  during the DA-BAR webinar on 20 April 2023 through Cisco Webex and Facebook Live.PhilGAP, a program established by DA-Bureau of Plant Industry in accordance with the Food Safety Act of 2013, aims to promote and implement Good Agricultural Practices among farmers, processors, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector in the Philippines.In the said webinar, Arellano highlighted the four components of PhilGAP comprising food safety, produce quality, environmental management, and the health, welfare, and safety of workers. She then went on to discuss the 5S approach, which promotes cleanliness and organization in the workplace and explained how it can also be implemented in agricultural operations.According to Arellano, the primary objective of PhilGAP is to ensure that agricultural products are produced, handled, and processed using safe and sustainable practices that meet the requirements of both domestic and international markets. By following GAP standards, farmers can minimize the risks of food safety hazards (biological, chemical, physical) and environmental impacts while improving the quality and competitiveness of their food products.“Ang ating PhilGAP ay harmonize with the ASEAN GAP, so pwede tayo makipagsabayan sa mga produkto na mayro’n ang ating mga karatig na bansa,” Arellano said.During the webinar, Arellano also shared information about the DA-CALABARZON PhilGAP Certification Scheme, which serves as a guide for farmers seeking PhilGAP Certification. The scheme comprises 12 steps that farmers must adhere to in order to receive their certificate. A new development involves the PhilGAP Outscaling project in Magallanes, Cavite, which aims to provide certification to farmer partners.One of the successful farms certified under PhilGAP is the MAGSAMAKAME farmers' cooperative located in Magallanes. With support from the Jollibee Group Foundation and their GAP certification, the cooperative has expanded its market and increased its tomato supply. Currently, they deliver a minimum of 500 kilograms of tomatoes per order to Jollibee.Despite its benefits, PhilGAP has not yet been implemented throughout the Philippines, and Arellano mentioned that compared to other ASEAN countries, where thousands of crops are GAP certified, the country lags behind.

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Apr 26, 2023

Lales underscores R4D in Batanes

“As part of the DA family, we are not competing with each other but rather complementing each other while also remaining the best at what we do. Because that is what our clientele, the farmers and fishers, are expecting from us: remaining best at what we do,” said DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research OIC-director Joell H. Lales during the inauguration of the R&D building of DA-Batanes Experiment Station (DA-BES) on 26 April 2023 in Basco, Batanes.OIC-director Lales and DA-Cagayan Valley regional technical director for Research, Regulations, and Finance and Administrative Concerns Rose Mary G. Aquino, PhD led the inauguration.The DA-BES, which is one of the research stations of DA-RFO Cagayan Valley, is tasked to generate and disseminate information and technologies that would respond to the needs of the agriculture and fisheries sector in the province. The R4D facility–which was upgraded to climate-resilient standards, sustained and enhanced R4D services, such as capacity building training activities for farmers, students, and agricultural extension workers, development seminars, and other technology-transfer activities, await farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector of Batanes. Prior to the inauguration, OIC-director Lales joined Batanes LGU officials in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the agro-trade and tourism fair during the opening of the 238th foundation week of the municipality of Ivana through the invitation of municipal mayor and former DA-BES center manager Celso B. Batallones.As part of the celebration, an agro-trade and tourism fair were also held highlighting wakay (sweetpotato)—Ivana’s staple crop. 

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Feb 20, 2024

Bicol region strengthens R4D undertakings, MOAs sealed

Aimed to reinforce DA's research for development (R4D) undertakings in the region, DA undersecretary for Bureaus Mercedita A. Sombilla, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) director Junel B. Soriano, and DA-Bicol Region regional executive director Rodel P. Tornilla signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for various R4D projects on 20 February 2024 at the DA-Bicol Region, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.DA-BAR shall support the conduct of studies on corn and cassava, queen pineapple, and organic farming. Establishment of a tissue culture laboratory, development of a Technology Business Incubation Program and the scaling and enterprise development will also be supported. The bureau likewise aims to sustain the management and operations of the Bicol Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network.Director Soriano briefly discussed with the researchers other potential R4D proposals with the station aligned with the priority agenda. He also underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration and partnership among local and international stakeholders from the government agencies, universities, research institutions, and private sector to enhance product development and packaging of publishable research papers.Following this, the key officials conducted site visits to ensure smooth implementation of various R4D initiatives as well as the ongoing operations of the supported R4D facilities in DA-Bicol Region.Director Soriano reiterated the bureau’s commitment to supporting agricultural initiatives and fostering further research collaboration and support on crop post-harvest processing, plant genetic resources, native chicken, mushroom, tissue culture, organic agriculture R&D center, pelletized alternative low-cost grower feed ration, market assessment and refinement of veggie chips, and site-specific nutrient management for queen pineapple production. The continuous operations and services that the facilities offer were also lauded.DA-Bicol Region technical staff presented the status and accomplishments of the R4D initiatives and facilities. DA-Bicol Region regional technical director Edgar R. Madrid, RTD for operations Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez, and Research Division OIC-chief Ailyn R. Adante were also present.

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Apr 24, 2023

DA and KNU renew MOU on internship, scholarship programs

Department of Agriculture (DA) senior undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and Kyungpook National University (KNU) president Dr. Won-hwa Hong renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on scientific and technical cooperation on 24 April 2023 in Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Signed in the presence of Philippine President and Acting Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the MOU signing is in support of DA’s goal of professionalizing human resources through the agriculture career system, education, and training. Under the renewed MOU, the DA, through the coordination of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and KNU of the Republic of Korea will pursue and organize professional education and staff development programs, through training courses, symposia, and conferences on various research for development and extension areas. The ceremonial MOU signing was witnessed by DA-BAR OIC-director Joell H. Lales and DA-ATI director Remelyn R. Recoter, represented by division chief Editha S. Vinuya, and Daegu Gyeongbuk International Development Cooperation Center director Hwa-seok Hwang. DA assistant secretary for Operations Arnel V. de Mesa and agriculture attaché and head of the Philippine Agriculture Office, Philippine Embassy, Seoul, Korea, Maria Alilia G. Maghirang also attended the MOU signing. Following the renewal of the MOU, DA-BAR, together with DA-ATI and DA-Project Development Services (DA-PDS) met with the KNU representatives on 25 April 2023.According to KNU professor Hwang, the meeting is a good venue to further discuss the MOU because all involved offices are present. While DA-BAR OIC-director Lales said that regular government employees should take advantage of the program, given that it provides internship programs, and Master’s and Doctorate scholarships.“We assure that the pilot testing of the program implementation will proceed in 2024. We (DA-BAR and DA-ATI) both allocated a budget to support [at least] 10 slots for the internship, 5 each in 2024. This should increase in the succeeding years,” said OIC-director Lales.DA-BAR and DA-ATI agreed to further discuss the crafting of implementation guidelines, with the guidance and support of the DA-PDS. In addition to the internship, they will also craft a joint proposal to access external funding to accommodate more scholars for the MS & PhD programs. 

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Mar 28, 2023

Plant-based soil amendment to improve organic vegetable farming

Plant-based vermicompost can help improve the growth and crop performance of hot pepper and other organically grown test crops, according to on-station and on-farm trials of the study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). In 2019, UPLB research team conducted a study to validate the technical and financial viability of upscaling locally-developed and Philippine National Standards-compliant organic soil amendments for improved organic vegetable production systems. Through the research project funded by DA-BAR, the research team led by UPLB- Organic Agriculture program leader Dr. Blesilda M. Calub confirmed the potential of plant-based organic soil amendments over merely relying on animal manures as raw materials.The study revealed that damping-off can be prevented through the application of the said plant-based vermicompost during the seedling stage of the crops. It was also observed that the harvesting period of hot pepper was prolonged by 3-4 times compared to the same crop grown using conventional farming.“In general, we have confirmed that the use of plant-based vermicompost, whether singly or mixed with other organic soil amendments, really improves the growth and performance of various crops including hot pepper,” Dr. Calub said. She added that the said soil amendment can benefit farmers by leaving residues in the soil which become available for the next planted crop.Dr. Calub also warned against the use of animal manure from conventional farms as it contains heavy metals and residues of antibiotics, synthetic steroids, and growth hormones. These residues when applied as raw or processed fertilizers to the soil can be absorbed by crops based on studies.“Most organic fertilizers and compost or soil conditioners make use of animal manures and crop residues. However, there are issues to be resolved in terms of using raw animal manures from non-organic or conventional farms,” she stressed.Meanwhile, a plant-based liquid supplement and microbial inoculant are being tested. These research-based products shall enable farmers to scale up the volume, availability, and value of their organic produce resulting in an increased income. “When made commercially available to consumers, these three products will significantly contribute to improve productivity of organic farms resulting in a more reliable year-round harvest of better-quality organic products that farmers can sell at better prices and with assured supply and quality,” Dr. Calub said.