THE Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research or ACIAR recently held its Country Partnership discussions in Makati City aimed at mapping out the development of a 10-year strategy for the country’s agriculture based research.
Some 60 heads of agencies and representatives from national research institutions, state universities, private sector, civil society, local government and international development partners participated in the one-day meeting in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
ACIAR engages in annual discussion with its stakeholders to ensure that its priorities for research collaboration continue to align and complement the Philippine strategies for agricultural research and development in the next decade (2018-2028).
Australian Deputy Head of Mission Mat Kimberley, and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Guevara were keynote speakers of the event.
“We fully support the Philippine government’s initiatives on value chain and rural developments, especially helping farmers increase productivity, build their capacities to gain better access to markets and trade opportunities,” Kimberley said.
“Agriculture is a shared agenda of Australia and the Philippines noting its role in driving food security, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth,” he added.
During the event, ACIAR general manager for Country Programs Dr. Peter Horne and PCAARRD executive director Reynaldo Ebora led working group sessions.
“ACIAR remains committed to funding longer-term programs in the Philippines and sustaining its collaborative research partnerships that deliver science-based solutions to real world problems of farmers and fisherfolk,” Horne said
Australia’s partnership with the Philippines involves a wide variety of development programs in education, gender, peace and stability, among others.
Horne said in the next 6-9 months, ACIAR will further consult and work with partners to finalize the plan.
ACIAR currently supports 17 projects valued at P840 million (A$24 million) and focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, and the marketability and international competitiveness of agricultural products, with, more recently an emphasis on reducing the adverse effects of climate change on the rural poor.
ACIAR’s Philippines program has a greater focus on Mindanao and Visayas.
For more information about the Australian Embassy’s programs, please check www.philippines.embassy.gov.au, like us on Facebook, Australia in the Philippines, and follow @AusAmbPH on Twitter.