WESVARRDEC lines up activities for 2008
WESVARRDEC
Banga, Aklan – Setting directions for 2008 on the implementation of unified research and development programs in Region 6 was the focus of the two-day activity of Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) hosted recently by Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan.
Attended by about 30 member-participants from various national government agencies (NGAs), private university, and state universities and colleges (SUCs), the activity served as venue for the Regional Applied Communications Office (RACO), Regional Management Information Service (RMIS), and Regional Techno Gabay Group (RTGG) to discuss and prioritize activities on research and development management and utilization, and integrate capability building, publication related, and policy advocacy agendas.
Dr. Luisa Mabunay, WESVARRDEC's consortium director and vice chancellor for research and extension of University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), presented the rationale and framework of the activity giving emphasis on the need for greater participation and coordination among the stakeholders of the consortium.
"Developing and consolidating the work plans with the participant-representatives of the respective committees will allow greater appreciation and involvement of member agencies in the consortium's R&D activities", said Dr. Mabunay.
The formulated and integrated committee work plans will be reviewed by the consortium's Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) and approved by its Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) composed of private university and SUC presidents, and NGA regional directors.
Among the scheduled activities for 2008 are the series of capability enhancement programs for its members, establishment of Farmers' Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers in the region through partner member agencies, accreditation of farmer-scientists, production and dissemination of information and education campaign (IEC) materials, strengthening of information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities, policy advocacies and promotional activities, and R&D management initiatives.
Activities were also lined up for the implementation of "Enhancing FITS Program for Rural Development (E-FITS)" in the region such as development of need based POTs, establishment of S&T based farms, value adding services and interconnectivity.
E-FITS is a nationwide program of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) aimed at strengthening technology transfer delivery system in the local communities.
After the workshop, the group trooped to Kalibo to join the "sadsad", a merrymaking activity, as part of its participation on the celebration of Aklan's Ati-atihan Festival.
WESVARRDEC is an organization of institutions and agencies which attempts to pool technical expertise and other resources related research and development activities in the region.
Organized in May 4, 1988, it is mandated to establish a regional research and development management group for the purpose of planning, integrating, reviewing and coordinating programs of various member institutions and agencies.