The various Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) of the Bicol Consortium for Agricultural Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) recently held the 1st Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RDCC) Meeting for 2024 on May 28, 2024. The meeting took place at the Partido State University Boardroom.
The meeting was presided by the newly elected Consortium Director, Dr. Lester M. Narvaez. One of the highlights of the agenda was the presentation of BCAARRD’s accomplishment report and targets which showcased the consortium's effectiveness and the value it delivers for further collaboration and innovation. Also part of the agenda was the conduct of a Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights.
Moreover, the RRDCC meeting focused on optimizing and steering the BCARRD consortium towards its strategic goals for regional development. This included several key agenda items: Presentation and inclusion of the CMIs' approved R&D projects with National Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP) funding from DOST/PCAARRD in the RRDCC meeting discussions; Updating the Database of the Pool of Experts affiliated with the consortium member institutions; Submission of institutional reports for inclusion in the annual report of BCARRD; Establishing a regular schedule for monitoring and evaluation of the consortium's activities and initiatives; Digitization of the consortium's information, education, and communication (IEC) collaterals and resources; Designation of cluster representatives to align with BCARRD's key program areas, including research and development, ICT, technology transfer, and science communication.
Towards the end of the meeting, representatives from the University of the Philippines presented the UPLB Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CPAD), potentially exploring opportunities for synergy and collaboration.The meeting underscored the consortium's commitment to optimizing its operations, streamlining coordination, and aligning its activities to achieve the strategic goals for agricultural research and development in the Bicol region.
Attendees during the meeting included Presidents of State Universities and Colleges in the Bicol Region, Directors, Research Focals, and Information Officers of the following government and private institutions/organizations in the Bicol Region:
- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research Development (PCAARRD)
- Ateneo De Naga University (ADNU)
- Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST)
- Camarines Norte State College (CNSC)
- Catanduanes State University (CATSU)
- Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) V
- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) V
- Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBEMSSCAT)
- Partido State University
- Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) V
- Bicol University (BU)
- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
- Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC)
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)
- Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) V
- National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) V
- Philippine Coconut Authority-Albay Research Center (PCA ARC)
- Provincial Government of Albay
- Sorsogon State College (SorSU)
- Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)
- Philippine Rice Research Institiute (PhilRICE)
- University of Santo Tomas (UST-Legazpi)
The BCARRD is a collaborative initiative that brings together different institutions in the Bicol Region to coordinate and align their agricultural research and development efforts. The 1st RDCC Meeting provided a platform for these member institutions to convene and discuss their research agendas, share progress, and coordinate their activities for the benefit of the regional agricultural sector.
By fostering this coordination, the BCARRD aims to maximize the impact of agricultural research and development in the Bicol Region, addressing the unique challenges and needs of the local farming communities. The convening of this 1st RDCC Meeting demonstrates the commitment of the various CMIs to work together towards the common goal of supporting and advancing the agricultural development of the Bicol Region through coordinated research and development initiatives.
