Co-hosted by SorSU, Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) successfully spearheads the 35th Regional Symposium on Research & Development Highlights (RSRDH) at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall.
In proactive pursuit to exchange and disseminate results of various research & extension projects/programs conducted by different Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) of BCCAARD, the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), co-hosted by Sorsogon State University (SorSU), successfully organized the 35th Regional Symposium on Research & Development Highlights (RSRDH) last March 08, 2024, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (SorSU Vice President for Academic Affairs), in lieu of SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, delivered a welcome message in the regional symposium, where Dr. Ricafort underscored that as a recently-transformed university in the Bicol Region, the event exemplifies the University’s cooperation with organizations and other higher education institutions in the region to uplift research and development. He added that SorSU is committed to actively participating and supporting regional initiatives in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources.
“As a university that offers agricultural and fisheries programs, we always make it a point to create linkages and collaborative partnerships with other SUCs within the region, across the country, and even abroad for the enhancement of our academic curriculum, research, and extension capabilities. Through this symposium, we propose to expand, intensify, and then sustain such regional connections by sharing recent trends and developments in agricultural research and development since these particularly enhance the teaching-learning process, diverse applications of knowledge and technology as well as establish viable professional, communal, and organizational links geared towards problem resolution and which will be beneficial to all universities, agencies, and other institutions.”
Dr. Ricafort also emphasized that as members of the academe, he believed that research and development can be the common ground for SUCs and other institutions to work collaboratively on future projects that transcend regional and cultural borders.
Similarly, Prof. Ruby M. Macasinag (Regional, Techo-transfer Cluster Coordinator, BCAARRD), on behalf of Dr. Marissa N. Estrella (Consortium Director, BCAARRD), likewise delivered a welcome message, where Prof. Macasinag warmly welcomed all the delegates and participants to the 35th RSRDH.
“We’d like to think that this kind of symposium will breed researches and breakthroughs similar to Silicon Valley. In similar or parallel thinking, we at the BCAARRD continue to pursue integrative and complementary research development programs, technology transfer, and commercialization of viable technologies. We’re into capability building in support of the research and development agenda of the entire region.”
Meanwhile, an inspirational message from Dr. Alberto N. Naperi (SUC President IV, CBSUA & RRDCC Chair, BCAARRD) was delivered by CBSUA Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez.
“This symposium aims to monitor and evaluate research results. Also, through this gathering, we can inform the research community and the public of the significant development of our research outputs. We are grateful that our government, through its various funding agencies, supports scientific, technological, and agricultural research works and projects. We shall then take this as an opportunity to capacitate our researchers, faculty, and students.”
“We hope that our research works that will be presented here highlights and are anchored on our goals and objectives to preserve ecological integrity, viable economic livelihood, sustainable environment, and agricultural produce & technology transfer.”
Subsequently, Prof. Ruby M. Macasinag (Regional, Techo-transfer Cluster Coordinator, BCAARRD) warmly acknowledged the participants of this year’s RSRDH event as well as introduced the Panel of Evaluators, to wit: Dr. Victoria C. Lapitan (Director, PhilRICE Bicol; Plant Breeding – Field of Specialization), Dr. Arlene R. Alegre (Director, Queen Pineapple Research and Development Institute & Program Leader, Queen Pineapple NICER Program), & Mr. Abmer O. Patricio (Senior Science Specialist, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Regional Office V and Research Coordinator & In-charge of Sorsogon Fiber Experiment Station, PhilFIDA) for Research Category; and Mr. Alvin Quiel Sabanal (Science Research Specialist, DOST – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research & Development & Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program Manager for Rice, DOST-PCAARRD), Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves (Research Director, University of Sto. Tomas – Legazpi; Development Management – Field of Specialization), & Engr. Percival N. De Villa (Engineer II, Albay Provincial Agriculture Office & Project Leader, Albay Sweet Potato Project) for Development Category.
Prior to the parallel sessions, the symposium rules, objectives, and mechanics of the activity were also provided and explained. After the opening ceremony, the technical sessions (simultaneous) followed, which consisted of two (2) categories: Session 1: Research Category and Session 2: Development Category. Further, a total of nine (9) posters competed for the Best Poster Award under the Student Research Category. Along with certificates, all winners of Best Papers and Best Poster likewise received cash awards.
SorSU, with its steadfast commitment to becoming a research University, fully supports symposiums, gatherings, and other activities that promote, advance, and strengthen research and development efforts with the primary focus to contribute toward the improvement of the local communities. (SorSU PIO)
