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NEWS & EVENTS

May 03, 2024

AD Lales joins PSAU-SIBUL TBI on-site visit

To assess the progress and ensure timely implementation of the bureau-supported project titled, Expanding the Operation of DA-BAR Technology Business Incubation Program of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research assistant director Joell H. Lales together with technical staff and program focal persons conducted a two-day project site visit and monitoring on 25-26 April 2024 in Magalang, Pampanga.Sibul TBI director Walter L. Pacunana and project staff Maricel B. Ramos presented the Year 1 accomplishments of the PSAU-SIBUL TBI as well as the financial viabilities of the enrolled incubatees. As discussed by the project team, the incubation period takes years and it does not stop after the provision of training. Aside from creating a module for the incubatees, PSAU-SIBUL TBI provides weekly coaching where they do site visits to the incubatees to assist them on accounting, and record management, among others. The TBI continuously seeks updates on the incubatees' livelihood, conducts regular visits, and informs them on the available services the TBI network provides, such as livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry.AD Lales provided his recommendations to improve the program’s operation while ensuring that the project sustains to respond to the needs of its stakeholders. AD Lales and the team conducted a site visit to one of the PSAU-SIBUL TBI’s incubatee, the REACH’s Integrated Farm in Magalang, Pampanga. The latter promotes sustainable agri-fishery farming, provides quality and affordable produce, and provides technical consultation to its clients.REACH's Integrated Farm was established through the technical assistance of PSAU-SIBUL TBI and through the financial grant of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program of the DA. PSAU-TBI supported the incubatee in developing its business model canvas, costing, and logo, which are requirements to be considered in the YFC. The TBI also assisted in the promotion, market linkage, and digital marketing of the produce.REACH's Integrated Farm adopted the hatchery production protocol of African catfish. The incubatee focuses on breeding fish, emphasizing the profitability of fry compared to fingerlings due to lower maintenance costs. The package of technology also includes the conditioning of breeders, which significantly contributes to the sustainability of their business.The incubatee is also currently in the product development stage of male catfish meat-based products. They are being assisted by PSAU-TBI in various analyses of processed products to ensure their quality and marketability.As part of their commitment to give back to the community, given that REACH's Integrated Farm are beneficiaries of various support, they have low selling price compared to other hatcheries. AD Lales also suggested exploring the possibility of making the farm an ATI learning site. DA-BAR team also visited other projects, such as the goat and chicken project using locally available materials as feedstuff and the project on free-range chicken production technology.Also, in a courtesy meeting with PSAU president Anita G. David, several important points were discussed highlighting key areas of interest and potential collaboration, with emphasis on harmonizing efforts among local government units and various government agencies, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology, in achieving sustainable development goals.

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Apr 29, 2024

DA-BAR strengthens agriculture and fisheries R4DE network, reviews 2023 highlights

To assess the project’s actual accomplishments vis-à-vis targets in support of the network, the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research conducted a completion review of 2023 funded projects under the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network (AFRREDN) Program on 29-30 April 2024 via Google Meet. AFRREDN, a joint initiative with the DA-Agricultural Training Institute, intends to serve as a major partnership mechanism for stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries research for development and extension (R4DE). By fostering strong collaboration among its members, the network aims to ensure effective delivery of interventions, quality programs, services and relevant policies. Particularly, the Regional AFRREDN will lead in prioritizing and coordinating R4DE activities, programs and services at the regional level.DA-BAR assistant director Joell H. Lales led the bureau staff in providing recommendations and guidance on the implementation of AFRREDN. In his message, assistant director Lales underscored that the impact pathway for R4DE should come from the integration and inclusivity of institutions, and participation of extension partners. “Outputs of R4D will be scaled up by our colleagues involved in extension operations. There has to be support from other partners in terms of financial and technical assistance,” he said.He further emphasized that the institutionalization of AFRREDN should be anchored on DA Memorandum Circular No. 02, s 2024 stipulating the implementing guidelines, the network’s objectives, functions, areas of cooperation, operational strategies as well as its composition, structure, membership, and funding support but also encouraged comments and recommendations to further improve the network. “We will not create competition, we have to find ways on how to strategically work and complement with our partners and counterparts. Let’s think [of] areas for improvement,” he stressed.AFRREDN focal presented their respective projects’ accomplishments, best practices, fund utilization status, challenges encountered, actions taken and proposed ways forward. The Regional AFRREDN are expected to finalize respective Memorandum of Understanding among member institutions, hence, officially launch regional networks.

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Apr 30, 2024

PHL lobbies for collaborative support and prioritization of sustainable agriculture in 18th ATWGARD

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.

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May 02, 2024

DA-BAR, DOST-PCAARRD meet anew to discuss collaborative R4D and innovation sharing

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Collaborative Research for Development (R4D) and Innovation Sharing on November 2023, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) convened on 22 April 2024 in Los Baños, Laguna to provide updates on the initial agreements made, as well as discuss the next steps in realizing the said agreement.DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano and DOST-PCAARRD executive director Reynaldo V. Ebora led the said meeting. Joining them were DA-BAR assistant director Joell H. Lales, DOST-PCAARRD deputy executive directors Melvin B. Carlos and Juanito T. Batalon, and selected officials and staff of the two agencies.Matthew Janssen C. Ty of the DA-BAR Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Linkaging Division presented the bureau’s framework, as well as its existing and proposed programs. He also gave a brief rundown of the list of completed projects from both DA-BAR and DOST-PCAARRD.Dr. Ebora suggested further scrutinizing and assessing the list of completed projects to see its actual accomplishments and identify the existing gaps that will serve as the basis for future call for proposals. This process is akin to how DOST-PCAARRD ensures that projects funded under their agency are streamlined and meets the needs of the sector, among other mechanisms.“The next task for us is to look at the details and what was accomplished. This would make our system more efficient and prevent the so-called forum shopping of the project implementers, as there is already a significant duplication,” Dr. Ebora said in a mix of Filipino and English.He also emphasized the need to look at the accomplishments of the completed projects not by what was done during its implementation years, but what was actually realized in terms of the R4D agenda addressed. As agreed, further discussion on scrutiny of the completed projects will be done by identified focals from both agencies. Both chiefs want to explore harmonizing the industry roadmaps of the commodities crafted by DA and DOST into one national roadmap, starting with rice. They will also look into streamlining the internal processes within DA and DOST in terms of  funding the R4D programs, as well as the reinvigoration of the national technical working groups of commodities and projects before meeting up again to discuss plans to harmonize the programs.Streamlining the R4D investment on Technology Business Incubation of both agencies, as raised by Dr. Soriano, was also discussed during the meeting. Meanwhile, both agencies agreed to incorporate technology and industry readiness levels into the harmonized R4D system. Capacity building on these will be in the pipeline.Lales expressed optimism over this renewed collaboration and commitment between DA-BAR and DOST-PCAARRD to harmonize R4D efforts after multiple attempts that span decades to do the same with more key players before.

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Apr 12, 2024

BAR employees capacitated on fire prevention and safety practices

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Project 6, led by Senior Fire Officer I Gilbert Norman II S. Centeno Jr., conducted a Fire protection and safety seminar for the employees of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on 12 April 2024 at ER Ponce Hall, DA-BAR, Quezon City. Joining him were Fire Officer III Jan Madre A. Del Rosario and Fire Officer I Bryan Tismo.March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, making it an ideal opportunity to discuss and raise awareness on the causes, hazards, and dangers that fire poses. Fire safety awareness, as an educational process, seeks to emphasize best practices to avoid creating fire risks as well as measures to take in the event that a fire incident occurs in the workplace.Senior Fire Officer Centeno provided an in-depth discussion on how to prevent fires, identify its different types, and how to effectively extinguish them. Learning about this topic and developing the necessary abilities might benefit others and possibly save lives.Fire Officer Tismo provided the participants with a demonstration on how to properly operate a fire extinguisher and fire hose. Additionally, he allowed a few DA-BAR staff, such as our safety officers, to practice using the fire hose and extinguisher correctly. Not only was it a chance, but it was a privilege. It is crucial to understand the fundamentals of fire safety. One's life can be saved by following a set of precautions, protocols, and measures to avoid fires, reduce the likelihood of fire-related mishaps, and guarantee the safety of people and property in case of a fire.This seminar, as part of the bureau’s capacity building interventions for its personnel primarily seeks to promote knowledge of fire incident management and its main components, which include evaluation, recovery, prevention, and preparedness and secondarily aims to improve DA-BAR employees' understanding of their duties and responsibilities in emergency situations. It likewise served as an assessment of the bureau staffs’ existing knowledge and capacities in terms of fire incident management.

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Apr 11, 2024

BAR conducts mentoring, coaching workshop to boost employees’ productivity

DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research equipped its employees with the fundamentals of coaching and mentoring through a training workshop conducted on 11 April 2024 at ER Ponce Hall, RDMIC Bldg., Diliman, Quezon City.Titled as Coaching and Mentoring Skills: Empowering Employees to Boost Job Performance, the training workshop provided basic knowledge on coaching and mentoring processes; coaching models; and best practices to build coaching and mentoring relationships between supervisors and subordinates of the bureau’s employees. “Coaching and mentoring are powerful tools for personal and professional development. While we share similarities, we also have distinct characteristics,” Jude Laguna, OIC-head of the Administrative Finance Division and head of Human Resource Management Unit (HRMU), said. Serving as the resource speaker, John Gabriel Balauag of Yesbizcore outlined the training’s topics as well as facilitated learning activities, engaging participants with a series of  activities focusing on identifying their dominant leadership styles; practicing effective coaching strategies; addressing common scenarios; and cultivating coaching and mentoring relationships in the workplace."Mahalaga po na alam natin ang ating dominant leadership style and more importantly, we have to communicate appropriately and effectively to our coachee," Balauag stressed.Facilitated by HRMU as part of their learning and development interventions for the year, the activity was participated by heads, technical, and support staff from the different divisions and units of the bureau as a testament to its strong commitment on increasing the employees’ productivity and performance in the workplace. 