Milestones and collaborative initiatives were the main highlights of the joint meeting between the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Program-Regional Research and Development Coordinating Committee (ViCARP-RRDCC) and Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network-Regional Advisory Council (AFRREDN-RAC) which was successfully held at Felipina Hall, DEPDev-8, Government Center, Palo, Leyte on the 13th of May 2025.
Ms. Gladys S. Sobrio, representing DEPDev-8 Regional Director Mylene C. Rosales, delivered a warm welcome message, emphasizing the critical role of collaborative partnerships in uplifting communities. She quoted, "Tao pa rin ang centro sa plano" (people remain at the center of the plan), as symbolized by their unchanging logo.
Meanwhile, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, the President of Visayas State University and at the same time the Chairperson of ViCARP-RRDCC, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the members' vital role in creating an impact far beyond the confines of meeting rooms and organizational boundaries.
On PCAARRD updates, Dir. Marita A. Carlos, Applied Communications Division Director, proudly announced the approval of the ViCARP proposal for the training workshop on “Evidenced-Based Impact Assessment” and as well as updates regarding the 2024 Ugnay project entitled “Enhancing Innovation and Collaboration: Creating Research, Development, and Extension Initiatives of ViCARP-AFRREDN for Sustainability and Impact”. "The funds for the two separate projects are in the process," she added.
Moreover, Dir. Carlos outlined the ongoing discussion of the science communication partnership between Australia and the Philippines. These achievements highlight strengthening the partnership and collaborations to all CMIs.
Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO-8, expressed his appreciation for the organization’s efforts on how knowledge products and resources are communicated to the farmers.
In addition, Dr. Yepes complemented this by emphasizing the need to intensify technology transfer initiatives through a unified information dissemination platform, particularly to young farmers.
Dr. Jenny Lyn R. Almeria, RTD for Research and Regulation of DA-RFO 8 presented the DA-BAR Research for Development (R4D) Programs and Projects, AFRREDN Implementing Guidelines, and Eastern Visayas Agriculture Fisheries Resources Research Development Extension Network (EViAFRREDN) practices and updates. Dr. Almeria likewise provided a comprehensive overview of guidelines, programs, projects, and accomplishments in livestock, agricultural, and aquatic development.
Additionally, AFRREDN, highlight its growth to 32 members by 2025 and its active engagement in R&D coordination and alliance formalization, despite facing significant challenges in securing complete Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing and consistent support from some provincial government offices.
On the other hand, Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., ViCARP Director, presented the ViCARP Strategic Plan (2025-2028) as an output of the ViCARP Strategic Planning on February 17-21 at Coron, Palawan. He outlined the core goal of the Strategic Plan emphasizing transforming the Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) sector for sustainable Eastern Visayas by developing a dynamic ecosystem that drives impactful and responsive RDEI programs.
Conforming to this, ViCARP was warmly congratulated to be the first consortium in the country to have this new strategic plan. Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr. repeatedly emphasized that this output was a product of the full participation and collective strength of the consortium members, urging everyone to adopt and internalize the new direction.
Meanwhile, he also presented an overview on the number of projects implemented by different CMIs supported by DOST-PCAARRD and DA-BAR for the period 2019-2025. He highlighted that VSU has a total of 31 projects funded by DOST-PCAARRD, with 17 ongoing and 14 completed projects. Additionally, he provided a breakdown of the 17 DA-BAR funded projects, showing 5 projects in 2023 (2 for VSU, 3 for other CMI’s), 8 in 2024 (1 for VSU, 2 for NWSSU, 1 for ESSU, and 4 for DA-RFO-8), and 4 in 2025 (1 for VSU and 3 for DA-RFO-8).
Concluding the presentations, Dr. Pauline S. Caintic, Head of ViCARP Secretariat, shared the plans for the Level 2 RDE Review and Regional RDE Symposium. She highlighted at the end of the presentation that the usual activities, such as the search for outstanding RDE projects and the best scientific poster, are planned. This was followed by Dr. Leonarda A. Londina's presentation, which detailed specific action plans for the Cluster 1 Level 2 RDE Review.
The joint meeting concluded not just with a photo opportunity, but with a profound sense of hope and renewed commitment for continued collaboration for the advancement of Eastern Visayas' agri-aqua sector.
