The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), led by Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D., conducted the 2023 National Research and Development Review at La Granja National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (NCRDPSC) from September 12 to 13, 2023.
The review was participated by the three technical divisions, Agricultural Engineering Division (AED), Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD), and Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD); and five NCRDPSCs from Baguio, Davao, Guimaras, La Granja, and Los Baños.
A total of 18 completed research papers, which focused on varietal evaluation, crop protection, technology demonstration, value-adding and utilization of crops, and engineering, were presented.
Every year, the DA-BPI conducts this major Research and Development activity to showcase advancements and breakthroughs in crop research that will ultimately help increase the productivity of the plant industry. The event served as a venue for researchers to share their findings, collaborate, and discuss innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector through enhancing crop yields, minimizing environmental impact, and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The project proponents were able to present the fruit of their hard work and directly heard comments and suggestions from four experts with different fields of expertise as evaluators. The critiques aim to improve the conduct of studies if there is a possibility of expansion and re-implementation, as well as a reference for future studies. The four evaluators who shared their valuable time and knowledge were Luis Rey Velasco, Ph.D. from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Elmer Enicola from UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding, Ramer Bautista, Ph.D. from UP Visayas, and Lilia A. Portales, Ph.D. from DA-BPI Assistant Director’s Office for Research, Development, and Production Support Services.
The event concluded on September 13, 2023, with a closing ceremony that celebrated the accomplishments of the researchers. The three best papers were awarded for their significance and conduct.
The first Best Paper went to the “S&S Plaza Goes SciCAT Phase II: Promotion of Ecologically Viable Farming Practices and Generated Technologies Through Blended eAgri-Tourism Under the New Normal” from Los Baños NCRDPSC, the Second Best Paper was given to the “Integration of Small Fruit Culture in Traditional Home Gardens in Kabayan, Benguet,” and the Third Best Paper was awarded to the “Intensified Mass production of banana Quality Planting materials through Tissue Culture Technology in Benguet and La Union” both from Baguio NCRDPSC.
The success of the National Research and Development Review was achieved with the researchers’ dedication to addressing the challenges of modern farming and the support of management and all assisting staff. With continuous efforts from the research community, there will surely be a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture in the country.