2013 Inter-agency RDE Review bares best research papers

Primarily aimed at identifying mature research and extension technologies and strategies for adoption by key stakeholders in the agriculture and fishery sectors, the Department of Agriculture-8 (DA-8), together with its attached and partner agencies, conducted an Inter-Agency Research Development and Extension (RDE) Review on July 18-19, 2013 at the Department of Agrarian Reform-8 (DAR-8) Function Hall, Tacloban City.

“We consider the technologies that can be derived from our various researches as additional body of knowledge for use by policymakers, researchers, extension workers and most especially our farmers and fisherfolk thereby transforming them from mere producers into agri-entrepreneurs,” says Dr. Wilson A. Cerbito, DA-8’s Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations.

With DAR-8 as the host agency, said annual Interagency Review garnered 24 entries encompassing all four categories: Research, Development, Extension and Ongoing projects.

Of this number, seven came out as awardees. The Biological Study of Comptophallium radula by Mr. Jimmy Salamida of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-8 (1st place); The Biological Control of Jackfruit Borer in Region 8 by Dr. Carlos S. dela Cruz, DA-8’s Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person (2nd place); and the Regional Rice Industry Assessment for Policy Formulation by Dr. Elvira C. Torres, DA-8’s Research Division Chief (3rd place) bested others for the Research Category.

Two papers authored by DA-8’s Research Division staff also bagged the best papers awards for the Development Category. Mr. Arnel V. Nombre’s paper on the Inventory System for Agriculture and Fisheries Investments in Eastern Visayas and Ms Emma L. Morales’ study on the Development of Provincial Farmers Registry System were awarded as 1st and 2nd placers, respectively.

The Innovative Approach on the Declaration of Island Province and Municipality as Rabies-Free Areas in Eastern Visayas proposed by Dr. Norietta F. Orsua, DA-8’s Livestock Program staff, turned out to be the sole winner for the Extension Category.

Meanwhile, the Community-based Participatory Action Research on Jackfruit Production and Processing in Brgys. San Isidro and Malinao, Mahaplag, Leyte by Ms Alicia D. Bulawan from DA-8’s research center in Abuyog, Leyte also made it as the best ongoing development project.

RTD Cerbito said that the winning papers will compete in the Regional RDE Symposium slated in August, this year. “What will come out as winners at the regional level will automatically be the region’s entries to the national competition,” he added.

The pool of evaluators during the Inter-Agency Review was composed of Dr. Beatriz C. Jadina from the Visayas State University; Ms Ronelie C. Salvador from the University of Eastern Philippines; Dr. Dionesio M. Bañoc from DA-8; Ms Hazel Grace T. Taganas from the Agricultural Training Institute-8 (ATI-8); and Mr. Victor Romero from the Fiber Industry Development Authority-8 (FIDA-8). Dr. Carlos S. dela Cruz likewise served as evaluator but only for the Ongoing Project Category.

Also in attendance during the Review was DAR-8 Regional Director Eliasem P. Castillo who shared some important insights to the participating researchers. (JESSA FAYE E. MACAPAÑAS, Asst. Info. Officer)