PSF meets with WV PCARRD scholars

On May 28, 2009, PCARRD Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon, along with Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Jocelyn Eusebio, led the first regional meeting of Western Visayas-based PCARRD scholars at the College of Management in UP Visayas in Iloilo City.

Of the 70 registered PCARRD scholars in the region, who were given scholarship since 1970s, six scholars attended the meeting. They included Greta Gabinete of the West Visayas State University (WVSU); Rector Latoza and Salvacion Legaspi of Capiz State University (CapSU); Roman Sanares and Gerald Quinitio of University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas; and Lolita Quino of LGU Dumangas.

Among others, Faylon said that the scholars from the region can be tapped to pitch in as consultants, mentors and experts needed in trainings, seminars and other similar activities initiated by WESVARRDEC. According to Faylon, PCARRD spends 50% of its annual budget to invest in human resources.

Recognizing the need to beef up the research and development arm of its member consortiums, PCARRD's scholarship policies from this time onwards are said to be more accommodating. In particular, current scholarships for this year are awarded 15,000 pesos stipend for M.S. scholars and 20,000 pesos stipend for Ph.D. Scholars. Even contractual employees of organizations and university extension offices can apply for a scholarship.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eusebio said that more participation from scholars in the region is needed. For this purpose, a general assembly of scholars, for example, within the year can virtually start the ball rolling.