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).
Two (2) of the big projects of VSU on laboratory enhancement and upgrading were formally inaugurated and major accomplishments duly presented, namely: the Enhancement of the VSU SemenLAB: Semen Laboratory Applications and Biotechnology led by Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr., the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation and Director for ViCARP; and the Upgrading of the Horticulture Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of VSU led by Dr. Catherine C. Arradaza, Professor of the Department of Horticulture. This event also highlighted the unveiling of markers for these two laboratories situated at the College of Veterinary Medicine and at the Department of Horticulture, respectively. Special guests from the National Livestock Cryobank of the Department of Agriculture headed by Dr. Lilian Villamor and her staff also celebrated with the inauguration of the PCAARRD-VSU SemenLAB.
Meanwhile, the major deliverable of the PCAARRD-funded project entitled “Enhancement of ViCARP and CMIs’ ICT Connectivity Infrastructure,” was successfully turned over to nine (9) Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) beneficiaries which included a set of ICT equipment. This ViCARP-led project headed by Engr. Sean Villagonzalo aims to improve the collaboration and coordination performance of CMIs, especially in hosting meetings via Zoom or Google Meet, while maximizing the use of the connection.
A soft launching proceeded at the Department of Pest Management for the ongoing PCAARRD-funded project entitled Upgrading of the Mass Production Laboratory for Biological Control Agents to Support Sustainable Pest Management of Coconut Hybrids and Intercrops in Eastern Visayas spearheaded by Dr. Justine Bennette Millado, Professor at the Department of Pest Management.
Other projects that were visited include the Upgrading of Pest Laboratory for the Identification of Pests Infecting Abaca and their Management by Dr. Mannylen A. Merioles as well as the demo farm on Coconut Hybridization led by Dr. Suzette B. Lina, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science. The PCAARRD team alsos had a quick look at the Zonal Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Habitat Restoration headed by Dr. Marlito Bande, the Center Director.
On July 10, 2023, the PCAARRD representatives; Ms. Elmera Bañoc, the ViCARP-Science Communication Cluster Coordinator; Mr. Prelly Aguilar, ViCARP Science Research Assistant (SRA), guests from the Philippine Carabao Center-National; and Mr. Marlon M. Tambis, project leader, among others, went to Five Shepherds Planting Materials and Agri Products at Sitio Makopa, Brgy. Can-ipa, Baybay City, Leyte to validate their accomplishments as start-up grantee.
The Five Shepherds showcased their portable vacuum fryer as the fabricator of the commercialized PhilRootcrops-developed vacuum fryer. Through the TBI program, the research center granted the Five Shepherds access to the vacuum fryer's design, accelerating the machine's manufacturing and commercialization.
In a Facebook post shared by the Five Shepherds, they expressed their gratitude for the collaboration.
“We recently had the privilege of showcasing our machines, particularly the Portable Vacuum Fryer, during the site visit by DOST-PCAARRD. This event was led by the esteemed Executive Director, Dr. Reynaldo Ebora. We extend our heartfelt thanks to VSU TBI and PhilRootcrops for choosing us as their partner fabricator for this innovative machine.”
The event was successful through the collective effort of ViCARP. Indeed “Sa ViCARP, ituloy ang pangarap!”
Note: For the complete compilation of photos during the event, please click this link