Officials and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), headed by no less than the Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, graced the inauguration and site visit of the different PCAARRD-funded VSU enhanced laboratories and facilities. The activity was facilitated by the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP) on July 11, 2024 at RDE Hall, VSU.

The program was honored by the presence of Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, the VSU President, who gave her welcome address by emphasizing the joint efforts of VSU and DOST-PCAARRD to benefit both the academic community and the larger society.

“The collaboration and partnership we have with DOST-PCAARRD exemplify this sentiment. Together, we are not just building infrastructure; we are building futures and creating opportunities for growth and development,” Dr. Yepes uttered.

“These facilities are instrumental in our broader mission to improve the livelihoods of our farmers and hog raisers. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, we can drive innovation and productivity in our agricultural practices that promote sustainable development in our communities,” Dr. Yepes added

In addition, Dr. Ebora shared the importance of establishing alliances with reliable partners for successful programs and projects in his inspirational message.

"You all have been instrumental in driving these projects and the partnership between PCAARRD and VSU forward. As you may all have heard, the P and C in PCAARRD have an alternate meaning, and that is Partnership and Collaboration. Today, we commemorate yet another achievement resulting from the long standing partnership and collaboration between PCAARRD and VSU in furthering the research and development capability of the university. This initiative is part of PCAARRD’s banner program on capability building and R&D governance, which aims to ensure that our partner institutions have the essential resources to carry out its R&D programs and projects effectively," Dr. Ebora stressed.

As he ended his speech, Dr. Ebora proudly announced the feat of VICARP as one of the top 3 contenders for the 2024 UGNAY award. This milestone was made possible through the exemplary leadership of the host institution, the VSU, and the strong commitment of the different Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs).