BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in Region 1 (Ilocos Region) has introduced a new technology to help communities suffering from the unavailability of safe drinking water, particularly in far-flung areas.

The equipment, known as “Safewatrs: Emergency Disinfection System of Drinking Water,” is a portable manually controlled and solar-powered emergency drinking water system with a capacity of up to 2,000 liters of safe drinking water for nine hours.

Reynaldo Esguerra of the DoST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Environmental and Biotechnology Division (EBD) recently talked about the system over DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo (La Union) to promote knowledge and advancements in the field.

Also the DoST-ITDI-EBD chief science research specialist, Esguerra noted that as a result of typhoons, flooding, earthquakes and breakouts, among others, “there has been a dearth of sources of drinking water, and this ground-breaking technology has begun to offer a solution.”

“Safewatrs aims to address the shortage or unavailability of water during calamities, emergency situations and even in remote areas where water supply is disrupted or cut off,” he said.

The technology was formerly called Safewatrs Upgraded Emergency Disinfection System; the decision to change the name of Upeds to Safewatrs was made after it became clear that access to safe drinking water was a problem. “Access to safe drinking water has been affecting many people on a regular basis rather than just in times of emergency,” Esguerra said.

Esguerra also noted that in addition to addressing drinking water scarcity, this technology complies with the strict requirements outlined in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

Chemical removal

Also presented were the features of Safewatrs which is an energy independent using its solar panels, batch type or semi-continuous compact and mobile water treatment system.

“With a capacity of producing 2,000 liters per day, it is also effective in the removal of chemicals and metals in water, making the post-processed water safe for consumption by the public,” Esguerra said.

Besides the disinfecting of salt water, the Safewatrs technology, which can operate on rainwaters, spring waters and turbid waters, has no major differences from the other filtration and disinfection systems.

Esguerra stressed Safewatrs’ philanthropic vision: “… it was developed not for the agency to earn from it, rather it was developed mainly to help the communities.”

According to the DoST-ITDI, the effectiveness of the technology has been proven through its deployment in Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, Agoncillo in Batangas, Santo Domingo in Ilocos Sur and San Clemente in Tarlac.

Esguerra also explained that the technology had its performance testing using the Laguna Lake water, resulting in an excellent rating following the PNSDW.

According to the DoST, the Ilocos Region is currently on the technology’s list of recipients through the efforts of the agency which consistently offers its customers and stakeholders high-quality service and assistance.

These services and assistance are provided through the DoST’s various programs and projects in partnership with various agencies like the DoST-ITDI.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

A STATE university-based instructor from Nueva Vizcaya is a grantee of the Leveling Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR) project funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

According to the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), Ventura Chinaman, an instructor at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) is ongoing with his mobility activities at Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand until August 31.

Through the CHEd-funded project, Searca facilitates capacity-building activities and international linkages for Philippine higher education institutions (HEI).

Searca said Chinaman will stay at KU for one semester to conduct research on the prebiotic effect of chitosan on the immune system of hybrid catfish at the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, under the guidance of Assistant Prof. Dr. Prapansak Srisapoome.

It added that the research collaboration aims to strengthen NVSU’s research capacity toward developing projects that may cater to food security and environmental protection.

Searca explained that the project aims to upgrade the institutional capacities of the State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines Inc. (SUC-ACAP) and its 75 members.

Faculty and staff members from SUC-ACAP may participate in activities organized by the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) and its member institutions as part of the project.

Searca said two other faculty members are also ongoing with their mobility programs in partner UC universities.

Dr. Analyn Codilan, Associate Professor at the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Noe Mamon Jr., Assistant Professor 2, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), are currently in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for their one-month UC mobility program.

Searca said the one-month mobility aims to conduct benchmarking activities and discuss collaborative programs in research, extension or other curricular activities between the project grantee’s home institution and the UC member.

Mamon is assigned to the Faculty of Agriculture with Associate Prof. Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman as host lecturer while Codilan is with the Faculty of Forestry and Environment with Associate Prof. Dr. Kamziah Abd Kudus (an alumna of the Searca scholarship program), and Associate Prof. Dr. Norizah Kamarudin as host lecturers.

In the first week of his mobility, Mamon visited the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB) in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and met with Dr. Abdul Aziz S.A. Kadir, Director-General of IRRDB, and the board members.

Mamon’s mobility activities are in line with the ongoing rubber research endeavor of UPM, specifically on rubber micropropagation and production.

In the coming weeks, UPM arranged for Mamon to visit the rubber plantation, nursery, and rubber-related projects in Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia. His mobility relates to USM’s goal of becoming globally competitive in terms of instruction, research and development.

Searca said the mobility program will also create linkages for future collaboration on research and development programs that will hopefully support the rubber-producing provinces/regions and revitalize the rubber production system in the Philippines.

Codilan’s mobility activities are focused on benchmarking the Bachelor of Forestry Science program and postgraduate programs of UPM and identifying areas for collaboration between UPM and UPLB, specifically in program development, course offerings, virtual mobility, research studies and faculty development.

Her activities are in line with her experience as Coordinator for Instruction of CFNR in 2016 managing the curricular initiatives of the college for various program levels (BS, MS, PhD) and collaborating with other local and international universities.

Codilan also facilitated the completion of the revised BS Forestry curriculum in 2018 as a response to the K-12 program and Outcomes-Based Education and co-facilitated the preparations for the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations University Network – Quality Assessment.

Mamon and Codilan will stay at UPM until June 30 to complete their mobility activities.

According to Searca, besides the one-month and one-semester mobility programs of the UC, three other LevelUPHEI AFAR grantees from UPLB, Central Luzon State University and Visayas State University recently finished their Summer School in Krabi, Thailand.

Searca said KU co-organized the Training-Workshop on Sustainability Assessment in Agricultural Production and Food Processing from May 15 to 25 with L’ Institut Agro of France. The summer school is another activity conducted by UC member institutions open to SUC-ACAP members by invitation.

The LevelUPHEI AFAR project is ongoing with the preparations that will allow more faculty and staff from SUC-ACAP member institutions to conduct mobility and attend training programs hosted by any of the seven UC members in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan, Searca added.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

ANOTHER four-year term was given to Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon to serve as president of Ifugao State University (IFSU), the only higher education institution in Ifugao province.

According to Faith Napudo, IFSU administrative officer, the Board of Regents (BOR) in a special meeting on June 10 decided in favor of the IFSU president’s reappointment based on the merits of her performance in the preceding term.

Napudo said Dugyon’s performance in the preceding term was validated through an evaluation process conducted by the Evaluation Committee for Presidency (ECP) headed by Dr. Emerlinda Roman.

Dugyon was sworn into office by Dr. Marita Canapi, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) commissioner and IFSU BOR chairperson.

Napudo added that Dugyon is the second IFSU president and the first woman to ever hold the top position in the 101-year-old institution.

She said the president had served the university for four years and will have another four years more from June 2022 until June 2026.

“Tested with fire during the most challenging of times, I feel a heightened sense of personal responsibility and commitment to continue leading IFSU to create breakthroughs and reach a new level of achievement,” Dugyon said.

“I believe that I still have the zeal and mettle to steer IFSU toward its vision to be a globally recognized university, upholding excellence amid rich cultural heritage,” she added.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

LAGUNA (June 16)—A Dubai-based scientist has conducted a plant breeding visit at the University of the Philippines-headquartered Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca).

Searca has assisted Dr. R. K. Singh of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in conducting an informal survey on the use of millets and quinoa as well as gathering information on their availability, accessibility and affordability in selected sites in the Philippines.

Singh, who is the ICBA Crop Diversification and Genetics program leader and principal scientist on plant breeding, visited Searca and started his informal survey from June 2 to 7.

He was received by Associate Prof. Joselito Florendo, Searca deputy director for administration; Dr. Romeo Labios, operations consultant, Partnerships Unit (PU); Assistant Prof. Glenn Baticados, program head, Emerging Innovation for Growth Department (EIGD); Beatrisa Martinez, executive coordinator, Office of the Director; and PU and EIGD staff.

Darlyn Angeles, project associate, and Jerrel Edric Mallari, project assistant, both of EIGD, also assisted Singh on his visits to village, town and city markets, including supermarkets, in Laguna, Batangas and Metro Manila.

Searca said it has a standing formal agreement with the Dubai-based ICBA to collaborate on areas of common interest.

In view of this, Searca said Singh broached the possibility of cooperation concerning internships in which Searca can send students for internships at ICBA or universities in ICBA’s network.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

IFUGAO (June 9)—A cultural exhibit at the Ifugao State University (IFSU)-Hapao Campus’ Indigenous Peoples Resource Conservation and Community Learning Center showed photos of native houses and their narratives, and orientations on cultural items and indigenous cuisine.

According to Faith Napudo, IFSU administrative officer, the cultural exhibit dubbed “Pangipaptok hi Nunhituwan: The Built Heritage of Hungduan” was to give honor to Heritage Month on May 26.

As a stimulus for enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation, Napudo said the event highlighted the Ifugao native house, the most tangible symbol of Ifugao culture.

Representing IFSU President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, Dr. Marissa Bulong, IFSU vice president for Research Development, Extension and Training, said “conservation initiatives made alive through exhibits are critical in meeting the vision of conserving their heritage.

“Over the last decades, we have witnessed the disappearance and deterioration of our built heritage. Traditional house construction is a dying art with fewer and fewer master builders in the communities,” she said.

Napudo said the exhibit is also part of the “Ruritage: Heritage for Rural Regeneration” project as an additional replicator, explaining that Ruritage turns rural areas into laboratories to demonstrate cultural and natural heritage as an engine of regeneration.

She said Dr. Consuelo Habito of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), also led the ceremonial toasting for rural regeneration through Ifugao house heritage.

In her elaboration on the assessment of Ifugao house conservation, Eulalie Dulnuan, National Museum-Cordillera supervising administrative officer, noted that in Kiangan town in Ifugao, majority of 207 accounted traditional houses in 13 barangays are used for granary or storage.

“There is a need for Ifugao residents to preserve these houses, some of which are 99 and 100 years old, to protect the rich heritage of the native Ifugao house,” Dulnuan said.

Sharing her insights on how houses carried stories and the history of the place, Regina Guimpatan, Campus Chairperson for Museum, cited two of the native houses in the displayed photos which made her recall her childhood.

“The house of Apu (elder) Tapo and Apu Binnowuk was then called ‘The House of Bumayah,’ for many years during their time, ‘Bimmayah bayah da,’ but I have never attended one. I knew there were pigs butchered, wine being served and baki (ritual) being done,” Guimpatan said.

“I could only recall those successive nights when people danced with the rhythm of the gongs. The gong beaters sit around under the house,” she said.

Napudo also noted that based on a research “(Con)serving Indigenous Cuisines” by Clyde Sam Pumihic, an Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program alumnus, it was recommended that food tourism is a way of restoring the resources or ingredients that are diminishing to be restored and propagated.

“Food tourism may provide revenue to farmers and tourism operators while conserving our natural heritage,” Pumihic said.

Napudo also said the Hungduan National High School also showcased some Ifugao cultural arts and crafts and how these should be worn or used.

She said Dr. Jose Daniels, Campus Executive Director, believes that IFSU will soon be one of the sought-after museums because of the support it gets from local government units, the UPOU, and the skills training on indigenous practices being offered.

The event was organized with the Ifugao Rice Terraces-Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Center headed by Judy Baggo, IFSU-Hapao Campus, UPOU and the local government of Hungduan.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

ILOCOS NORTE (June 9)—Three products of state universities in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Pangasinan provinces were among the top 10 innovation product prototypes launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in partnership with the Industrial Technology Development Institute.

According to the DoST, these were Chica Matis (Tomato Chicharon) of Cagayan State University (CSU); ToMango (Tomato and Mango) Juice of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) along with their Mango Choco Powder Mix, Mango-Kamangeg Sinigang Mix and Tomato-Mango Ketchup, Hayahay Lamb Tomato Sauce of Hayahay AC Farm in Bulacan and the Squashious Pesto; and Tomato Salsa of Pangasinan State University (PSU).

Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DoST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, said the agency officially launched these top 10 product prototypes developed by the Regional Food Innovation Centers (FIC) in the North Luzon Cluster at Robinson Starmills, San Fernando Pampanga on June 4.

“These products being launched were results of successful research and development initiatives conducted by FICs together with DoST regional offices and the academe,” Mabborang said.

He said the launching which was initiated by the FIC Marketing Academy aims to help food innovators improve their product marketability and to increase Filipino’s awareness of locally-developed and government-funded technologies.

“We are on the same road walking for a brighter future. Just what I always say, cooperation, complementation and collaboration rather than competition. No region should be left behind,” Mabborang said in his inspirational message during the launching.

Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, DoST Region 3 director, welcomed everyone and highlighted in his message the importance of partnership with mobilizing agencies and micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs to create food products out of the most unusual raw materials available during food shortage.

Dr. Zorayda Ang, FIC Academy deputy director and program manager, expressed thanks and acknowledged the efforts and support she received from DoST and other supporting institutions.

According to the DoST, the FIC North Luzon Cluster winners will proceed to the National Market Launch which will be held at U Town Center in Quezon City on June 25.

The said event was attended by marketing experts of UP Diliman Professors Dave Centeno and Dr. Rhey Daway; and Benguet State University President Dr. Felipe Comila.

Also in the event were DoST regional directors Dr. Nancy Bantog, Dr. Armando Ganal represented by his staff, and Virginia Bilgera represented by DoST Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTC) Batanes provincial director and Cluster A head Nora Garcia, DoST PSTC Cagayan provincial director Sylvia Lacambra, DoST PSTC Quirino provincial director Rocela Angela Gorospe, technology adopters, among others.

AS the country strives hard to overcome this seemingly unstoppable pandemic, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2 (DA-RFO2) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) swiftly came out with a sustained agribusiness-assistance to farmers groups and cooperatives.

Vizcaya Fresh! Organic Advocates, Inc. (VFI) is one group with a zeal for farming advocacy. VFI is a non-profit corporation duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is located at Barangay Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya with farm sites in Kayapa town. 

In 2013, VFI started its operation and received a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the government of Japan through Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, instituted by GLM institute of Japan (GLMi). 

It comprises highly trained community development workers in the field of forestry, agriculture, social enterprise, research and development, community organizing and finance.

The members promote and market quality and healthy products not only to local markets but also on a global scale. Marketing, trading and consolidation of organically produced lowland and highland vegetables, native and seasonal fruits, mushroom and rice honey define the base form of their business services. 

To attain food safety and sustainability, the group attended all the trainings and proper farming techniques conducted by the DA. They have successfully joined the training on Farmer Cooperative and Association Capability Building in March 2021. 

They were awarded by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) as an exceptional organic vegetable producer. They have been doing an integrated farming system. In particular, organic farming is practiced in their farms. 

“Yes, we do organic farming. With 150 members, napakarami na po naming kaalaman dahil po sa tulong ng DA di lamang sa paraan ng pagtatanim kundi pati na rin po sa tulong pinansiyal. Actually, sa Imugan, Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, ang aming organic demo farm. Ang mga pananim gaya ng petsay, carrots, lettuce, kalabasa, spinach, raddish, chinese cabbage at iba pa ay malalago at maayos na tumutubo gamit ang organikong pamamaraan ng pagtatanim,” Amos Dayag, Operations Manager of VFI, said.

Organic farming is the trademark of VFI. This reduces exposure to nitrogen-run-off-induced pollution, contributes to healthy soil formation, consumes a small amount of energy, enabling farmers to evade harmful chemicals and most especially combats the effects of global warming. 

“We also provide training on crop programming and strategic production support to our fellow organic farmers. We cater to interns, both foreign and local to introduce our planting techniques and at the same time adopt other country’s way of planting organically,” Amos added.

VFI has been accredited and a recipient of many awards which may attest to its worth in the community and the entire country. 

In 2014, VFI received a regional award as an Outstanding Organic Agriculture Small Farmer Group under the National Organic Agriculture Achievers Award. 

In the same year, it received the same award from the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. 

In particular, VFI has been recognized by DA as a Third Party Certified Organic Farm by OCCP issued in October 2019 and awarded in November 2020 a plaque of recognition as a national finalist in 2019 Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Organic Agriculture Small Farmer. 

“Isa akong retired nurse and I am now devoted to serve the people here sa farm. Marami kaming clients who love organic vegetable pati na ang aking mga co-members. Masaya ako nang makilala kami bilang isang matagumpay na grupo sa nakaraang National Organic Agriculture Achievers Award-Farmers Group category. Tulong-tulong kami sa pagtaguyod ng aming adhikain. Maganda ang organic,” said Leticia Puguon, focal person at Balinhawang Integrated Family Farm at Imugan, Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, a newly developed demo farm of VFI.

DA-RFO2-Organic Agriculture Program also assisted this group. Besides conducting training on proper handling, operation and maintenance of tiller/cultivator machine, they also provided the said equipment amounting to P175,000 as part of the DA’s battle cry, Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita. 

More to DA’s support, the DA-RFO2 extended the means to purchase a Flexi truck. As part of the price of the said vehicle, DA provided P1.6 million. In this way, it is now easier for them to reach their clients right on time and without much hassles on deliveries. 

Ready-to-eat vegetable salads were also placed on sale not only at the provincial local government in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Their products are also available for sale at all Kadiwa Ni Ani at Kita stalls all over the region. In addition to their major markets are, Nueva Vizcaya Organic Trading Post-Shop/Outlet and Mara Organic Market at Legazpi Village, Makati City.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are also delivered to Manila. Malaya rin po kaming nakakadalo sa mga trade fairs. Sa katunayan po may social business partner din po kami. Yan po ang Good Food Community at Mensch Fil-Am Corp. Malayo na po ang nararating namin upang makapagdeliver gamit ang sariling sasakyan. Di lamang po dito sa Cagayan Valley kilala ang aming mga produkto. Salamat po DA,” Ronnel Acio, VFI Marketing and Production officer, said. 

Organic farming fashioned by VFI advocates does not only contribute to the development of the association but also the physical and economic well-being of the people.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research (Searca) is optimistic the country’s agriculture sector will register positive growth this year.

“While we have noted a contraction in the livestock sector due to the continuing onslaught of the African swine fever, positive growth could also be noted in the fishery and crop sectors,” Searca Director Glenn Gregorio said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippine agriculture sector contracted by 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021.

Gregorio said the fishery sector shows promise, but more integrated infrastructure support is needed to support growth of the sector.

“We have again noted the positive growth in the fishery sector that could be further maximized with improved logistics and transport systems to increase the competitiveness of the sector,” he said.

Gregorio also said there is a need to enjoin the private sector to invest in cold storage facilities.

“We believe that this need is very urgent given that the fishing communities remain among the most impoverished sectors in the country,” he added.

Searca also noted that while natural hazards and other disruptions are becoming commonplace, there is a need to transform the agriculture sector into resilient systems.

“Given the significant impact of typhoons and floods to the crop sector as experienced in 2020 or even in the years prior, we are joining the chorus on the need for more resilient agricultural farming systems,” Gregorio said.

He said this requires an increased percentage of Filipino farmers having internalized a decision-support system that would make them more agile and effective in responding to natural hazards and other potential external disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.

These include improved access to climatic and weather data, stress-tolerant crop varieties, good agricultural practices, crop insurance system, extension system and modern technological support, and innovative financial capital, Gregorio added.

Searca also said livestock and poultry sectors need systemic and long-term interventions to make them sustainable.

He explained that as threats like the Covid-19 pandemic and a string of zoonotic diseases persist, Searca sees the need for a more comprehensive evaluation using One

Health/EcoHealth framework to operationalize how the livestock and poultry sector could achieve its triple bottom line: profit, people and planet.

He said support is specifically needed for improved access to better surveillance systems, integrated biosecurity measures, and technology-based operating systems (i.e., tunnel-vent technology), among others.

“To further induce this, we call on the consumers to be more aware and supportive of livestock and poultry products that observed higher quality standards,” Gregorio said.

LEADERS of 11 higher education institutions (HEIs) from the State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines (SUC-ACAP) have been undergoing an executive course to hone their skills.

The leadership program is led by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) in collaboration with the Singapore-based The HEAD Foundation (THF).

Dubbed “Up Your Game: Leadership Development Program for HEIs in the Philippines,” the executive course kicked off on April 21 and will run until June 7 this year.

Participating in the said leadership course are 29 vice presidents, campus executive directors, college deans and other academic executives.

The state universities are Cagayan State University, Capiz State University, Cavite State University, Cebu Technological University, Central Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, Central Philippines State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, University of Eastern Philippines, University of the Philippines Los Baños and Visayas State University.

According to Searca Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio, the center’s current five-year strategic agenda focuses on accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation.

“Thus, capacity development of leaders of agricultural HEIs is one avenue through which Searca contributes to accelerating systemic transformation,” Gregorio said.

On the other hand, THF which is an international charitable organization supports capacity-building programs designed to equip leaders with practical skills to address pressing challenges.

Vignesh Naidu, THF Director for Operations, has expressed hope that through this program and discussions between the trainers, participants and guest speakers, it will inspire the participant to think about new ways to envision their institutions.

Dr. Natarajan Varaprasad, THF Program Director, also enjoined the university leaders to engage in the program’s peer learning process.

“Leadership in the future is about supporting bottom-up initiatives. Therefore, through a process of peer learning for each of the modules, everyone can come to conclusions about the way forward,” Varaprasad said.

Searca said the participating higher education leaders in the program are challenged to level up in the key areas of leadership, graduate preparedness, technology as well as faculty readiness to face the growing number of HEI challenges.

Gregorio explained that among these challenges are massification, diversification, internationalization and marketization of higher education.

He also noted that the Philippines as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) needs to keep in step with the Asean International Mobility for Students initiative, gain recognition through the Asean University Rankings system, and prepare themselves for the unique local and regional challenges that come with the Asean Economic Community agenda.

Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Dr. J. Prospero de Vera 3rd commended Searca for continuing its mandate to provide capacity and institutional strengthening.

“Education plays a vital part in a country’s competitive edge. Regardless of differences across the globe, education continues to be a very important and long-term intervention in ensuring sustainable development. It is not only a public good but also a strategy for social cohesiveness,” de Vera said.

He expressed hope that the program will be filled with interesting discussions, thought-provoking questions, and innovative ideas.

“[This] as we plan to make our instruction, extension, research and administration accessible to all and deliver in ways that encourage our stakeholders to develop higher order thinking, work in cross-cultural contexts, come up with innovative solutions to changing problems, use technology to work together effectively, and become more responsible Filipinos and Asean citizens,” he added.

Gregorio affirmed that in support of capacitating HEIs, Searca can provide great opportunities enabling an environment for the HEIs where learning can serve as a safe space for fresh and crazy ideas, strategic outcomes and critical perspectives from different institutions.

Dr. Nova Ramos, Searca Training for Development lead, said “Up Your Game” is the third installment of the Searca-THF initiative “Leadership Development Program for HEIs in Southeast Asia” that aims to equip Southeast Asian HEI leaders with the relevant skills and knowledge to effectively lead thriving and resilient universities in the region.

“In its two runs in January 2019 and January 2020, the program has so far enhanced the capacities of 36 higher education leaders from eight Southeast Asian countries,” Ramos said.

She said the program also includes coaching calls to discuss the progress and challenges that participants will encounter in implementing their re-entry action plans from June 28 to July 16, 2021.

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (May 10)—A P93 million warehouse at the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Cagayan Breeding Station in Solana town will soon serve as a seed storage facility for farmers.

DA Region 2 Executive Director Narciso Edillo, who led the groundbreaking of the project, said that while farmers continue to receive farm inputs and other forms of assistance from the DA, a safer storage facility is needed.

Edillo said the facility will ensure proper handling, timely delivery and optimized distribution of agricultural inputs to intended beneficiaries.

A project under the Rice Program, the DA seeks to provide quality farm inputs for farmers especially during the pandemic.

Edillo assured farmers that the DA will continue to provide support as well as technical assistance to ensure higher farm yields.

He also urged farmers to take part in the School-on-the-Air program on smart rice agriculture so that they will continue to enrich their knowledge in farming.

The program which will start on May 13, 2021 will be aired on different local radio stations and the DZDA.