San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol Research Division headed by Ma. Christina F. Campita, Ph.D., in partnership with various government agencies, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs), has taken the first step in institutionalizing the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research, and Extension for Development Network (AFFREDN) in Bicol to strengthen agricultural and fisheries research and development (R&D), knowledge sharing, and sustainable agricultural practices within the region.
The AFFREDN Bicol aims to enhance collaboration and innovation in agriculture and fisheries, addressing unique local challenges while aligning with national development goals. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), DA Bicol and its partner institutions plans to formalize their commitment to improving R&D outputs that would benefit Bicol’s farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities. This network will focus on developing solutions to enhance food security, increase productivity, and support climate-resilient farming practices.
AFFREDN regional structure is composed of 4 committees; Research for Development, Extension and Transfer, Institutional Support, and Knowledge Management. The network will engage various stakeholders to co-create responsive interventions and support projects that prioritize sustainable agricultural systems. AFFREDN also plans to address critical emerging issues in agriculture, including food safety, environmental resilience, and rural economic development.
Lorenzo L. Alvina, OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations expressed his full support in the implementation of the AFFREDN and encourage the Research Outreach Stations Superintendents to start on policy research based on secondary data and develop their respective station to serve the farmers more efficiently.
Present during the inception meeting were representatives from DA BAR, BPI-National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) 5; National Food Authority (NFA) 5; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 5; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 5; Camarines Sur Polytechnique Colleges; Partido State University; Provincial Government of Camarines Norte; Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED); Regional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED); Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC)/CSO and the different Research Outreach Stations in Bicol. (Vincent Emil Pasumbal. Photos by: Research Division)