On May 14, 2024, staff from the Institution Development Division (IDD) of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) visited the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP) to tag Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and video conferencing equipment. The tagged hardware is part of the “Enhancement of ViCARP and CMIs’ ICT Connectivity Infrastructure Project.” The project is led by Mr. Sean O. Villagonzalo, ViCARP’s ICT Cluster Coordinator. He is supported by co-project leaders Ms. Elmera Y. Bañoc, ViCARP’s Science Communication Coordinator, and Mr. Norman O. Villas, VSU-ICT Staff, and Mr. Prelly P. Aguilar, ViCARP’s ICT Science Research Assistant.
The ICT and video conferencing equipment was tagged with serial numbers, descriptions, and an indicator of acquisition through the DOST-PCAARRD GIA fund. This tagging serves multiple purposes: first, it allows for the production of a detailed inventory with clear identification of each equipment piece; second, the descriptions provide crucial information for maintenance personnel; and lastly, the funding source indicator ensures transparency and accountability. This ultimately streamlines the monitoring and evaluation of all the equipment.
The success of an ICT connectivity infrastructure project heavily relies on the monitoring and evaluation of the equipment. This process allows personnel to identify and fix equipment issues before they disrupt service, track equipment usage to optimize resource allocation, and find opportunities to improve the system. Additionally, it ensures compliance with funding requirements by demonstrating effective use of resources, and achievement of project goals. All of that is only possible through the tagging of the ICT and video conferencing equipment.
After the DOST-PCAARRD IDD staff finished the tagging with ViCARP’s ICT Connectivity infrastructure, they proceeded to visit other PCAARRD-funded projects. They dropped by the Visayas Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (ViSERDAC) under the headship of Dr. Moises Neil V. Serino, the VSU Boar Semen Laboratory Enhancement headed by Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., Dr. Mannylen C. Alde-Merioles’ project, entitled “Entomopathogenic fungus, Lecanicillium sp. as a biocontrol agent against the aphid vector Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel to manage the abaca bunchy top virus,” and lastly, Dr. Catherine Arradaza’s project, entitled “Upgrading the Horticulture Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the VSU.”
Through PCAARRD’s implementation of a robust monitoring and evaluation system, the success of ViCARP and CMI’s connectivity infrastructure is guaranteed.