The Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP) successfully held its Strategic Planning Workshop and Capability Building in Coron, Palawan, Philippines, from February 18 to 20, 2025. The primary objective of the workshop was to define ViCARP's vision, mission, and goals, as well as formulate strategies for the next four years, ensuring a clear path for its future endeavors.
The workshop marks an important continuation of efforts initiated in March 2024 during a similar session at the VSU RDE Hall. With a shared vision of being a premier RDEI consortium transforming the AANR sector for a sustainable Eastern Visayas. The workshop concluded with a comprehensive and impactful outcome, bringing together diverse experts from various ViCARP member institutions (CMIs) specializing in research and development, particularly in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR).
The event commenced with an introduction of the participants from Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation at Visayas State University (VSU), and the Director for ViCARP. The activity was participated in by representatives from the various member institutions of ViCARP, namely; VSU, ATI-RTC 8, DOST-8, PCC-VSU, LNU, PLGU-Leyte, NwSSU, SLSU, SSU, NEDA-8, DAR-8, PCC-8, PIT, PhilFIDA, EVSU, DOST-PCAARRD, DA-RFO 8, DENR 8, BFAR 8, UP Tacloban, and UEP.
Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, the President of Visayas State University and at the same time the Chairperson of ViCARP-Regional R&D Coordinating Committee (ViCARP-RRDCC), welcomed all the participants and shared her reflections on the history and evolution of ViCARP. She outlined the consortium's achievements over the years and emphasized the importance of aligning its vision, mission, and core values to guide its future growth and success.
Dr. Pauline S. Caintic, Head of the ViCARP Secretariat, presented the outcomes from the previous workshop held in March 2024.
The first major session was guided by Dr. Antonio P. Abamo, former Director of Extension at VSU which led to the finalization of Vision, Mission, and Goals. Dr. Abamo served as the resource person for the 3-day event. This session sparked an engaging exchanges of ideas among the participants, reflecting the diverse expertise from the group.
The second session was focused on the Alignment and Relevance of the Revised Vision and Mission with ViCARP's Goals. The group critically analyzed how the revised statements would better serve the consortium's mission and address the needs of the region.
On the second day, participants engaged in accomplishing the SWOT/TOWS Analysis, wherein the group formulated strategies that would be aligned with ViCARP’s goals and banner programs.
The final session was allotted to come up with a Proposed Programs, Activities, and Projects Based on the SWOT/TOWS Analysis. It allowed participants to develop actionable plans and initiatives that are aligned with the newly refined vision, mission, and goals. The discussions were vibrant, and numerous exciting ideas were proposed to ensure ViCARP’s continued relevance and effectiveness.
Dr. Peña Jr., in his ways forward, reflected on the success of the workshop, noting the importance of unity within ViCARP. "It was indeed an excellent workshop and an overwhelming session as we needed to establish our ways forward," he stated. "We must be united as one ViCARP to become the premier consortium in the region", he stressed.
Dr. Jenny Lyn R. Almeria, the Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation at the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 8, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Yepes in her closing remark for her commitment and attendance, as well as to Dr. Abamo for sharing his expertise. "This workshop has been a crucial step in fostering growth in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources research and development. Together, we have the power to shape ViCARP as a leading force in the region", she emphasized.
This event demonstrated the consortium's commitment to developing a dynamic RDEI ecosystem that drives impactful AANR programs, responsive to regional needs through strategic management, innovation, community engagement, and policy advocacy while promoting excellence in leadership and governance. With the tagline “Innovate, collaborate, and transform Region 8”, ViCARP is dedicated to driving progress in Region 8 through strategic partnerships and effective solutions for agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources.