Cebu – A total of seventy-two (72) development partners from the Department of Agriculture (DA) family; non-DA government agencies, academes, learning sites for agriculture operators, and the regional agriculture and fisheries council representatives participated the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network (AFRREDN) Central Visayas Technology & Investment Forum with the theme: “Innovate, Sustain, Empower: Agri-Fisheries for Inclusive Growth” on November 26, 2024 at a Hotel in Mandaue City in this province.
AFRREDN a joint initiative with the DA and DA- Agricultural Training Institute intends to serve as a major partnership mechanism for stakeholders in Agriculture and Fisheries research for development and extension (R4DE). By fostering strong collaboration among its members, the network aims to ensure to effective delivery of interventions, quality programs, services, and relevant policies.
Aligned with AFRREDN's objectives, the Technology and Investment Forum sought to bridge research and practical applications in agriculture. The event aimed to enhance the accessibility of research findings, paving the way for technology commercialization. This initiative aspires to improve knowledge dissemination, empower individuals and communities, and foster inclusive growth within the agri-fishery sector.
The event featured technical paper presentation, poster and products exhibits. Among the highlights were:
- “Challenges of Agri-aqua Technology Business Incubation in Central Visayas” by Dr. Adrian Ybanez of Cebu Technological University (CTU) Cebu City Campus, Cebu;
- “Innovative Use of Banana Bract Waste for Sustainable Paper” by Dr. Angeline B. Elegio of Bohol Island State University (BISU), Tagbilaran City Campus, Bohol;
- “From Farm to Market Co-creating the Cinnamon Industry in Cebu, Philippines” by Dr. Jay Picardal of Cebu Normal University (CNU);
- “Toxicity of Selected Acaricides to Cassava Red Spider Mite Tetranychus kansawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its Phytoseiid Predator Amblyseius longispinosus Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae)” by Jerzon Villacencio of Philippine Science High School, Argao, Cebu;
- “Development of Early Warning System and Database Management of Corn Arthropod Pest and Diseases in Central Visayas” by Michelle Merin of DA-7 RCPC; and
- “Optimization of Red Tilapia under Elevated Salinity Condition” by Warren Alacida of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 based in Bohol.
In addition to the presentations, cooperatives such as Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, First Consolidated Cooperative along Tanon Seaboards (FCCT), and Pestales Agriculture Cooperative showcased their products.
The forum also featured an open discussion, providing participants with an opportunity to share insights, raise concerns, and explore potential collaborations for advancing agriculture and fisheries in Central Visayas. It is being initiated by DA- Regional Field Unit VII (DA-RFU 7) in collaboration with the DA-Agricultural Training Institute-VII (ATI-7).
Among the regional agencies present were from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS); Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).
Representing from the academes were CTU Cebu City, BISU Tagbilaran City, CNU Cebu City; and Philippine Science High School, Argao.
Other stakeholders included representatives from the Cebu City Veterinary Office, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Negros Oriental, and farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and Learning Site for Agriculture operators.
“The event was a nice venue for new technologies and researches to be introduced to us.” – said Rayan Cabanero of BUFGAFA, Balamban.
“This 2nd AFRREDN technology and investment forum is very timely and relevant to the agriculture and fisheries sector including local manufacturers and processors to be more productive. “ – Jesson Tamundoc of Lamac MPC, Tuburan.
