WESVARRDEC marks 25th founding anniversary

The Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and and Development Consortium marks its 25th year founding anniversary today. WESVARRDEC was created as a platform for Western Visayas science and technology  planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sharing of resources to enhance the promotion of S&T in agriculture and natural resources in the countryside. It was through the endeavor and leadership of the Philippine Council  for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) that WESVARRDEC was created 25 years ago with the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC)  as its first home. Fourteen other similar consortia were also created all over the country with the same goals and objectives.

Now on its 25th year of existence and under the auspices of its base agency West Visayas State University, WESVARRDEC continues to forge ahead into the future  with a renewed  vision and mission.

WESVARRDEC Joins 1st National Symposium on Mango & Cashew

Dr. Noeni S. Nepomuceno, consortium director of WESVARRDEC was one of the participants of the 1st National Symposium on Mango and Cashew Research and Development  held at the Subic Holiday Villas, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City last January 22-24, 2013. Spearheaded by Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, the national symposium's theme "R&D Breakthroughs and New Opportunities Opportunities for Mango and Cashew Industries" focused on bringing together all R&D efforts  on cashew and mango of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country. The event brought together researchers, extension service providers, entrepreneurs, deans/officials, faculty and stakeholders from all over the country.

During the plenary session held during the first day, a global and national mango and cashew situationer was presented by Dr. Jocelyn Eusebio  of PCAARRD while Dr. Calixto Protacio of UP Los Banos  talked about the opportunities in the year-round production and R&D of mango and cashew under a changing climate. Meanwhile, Mr. Alex Hermoso of PREDA Fair Trade shared the prospects of organic mango production  with the participants.

The presentation of R&D papers was conducted during the second and last day of the symposium wherein the participants were able to participate in a lively discussion about the various breakthroughs, developments and innovations in mango and cashew production, commercialization and marketing.

The symposium is of significant importance to WESVARRDEC as mango is one of Region 6's industry strategic plan commodities.

Korean RDA Scientists Share Agri E-Commerce Experience

By Christy Amular

WESVARRDEC Staff

Visiting Korean scientists Dr. Kim Yungho and Dr. Park Jeong-Woon from Rural Development Administration, Farm Management Division in Suwon, South Korea conducted a field visit to FITS-OPA, Magsasakang Siyentista Rebecca Tubongbanua's McNester processing plant and National Mango Research and Development Center in Jordan, Guimaras last December 17, 2012 to observe the application of ICT in agriculture particularly information systems, Internet connectivity and e-commerce. The scientists were accompanied by Ms. Alexandra Cabrera of PCAARRD and Mr. Louie Cervantes, RMIS Coordinator of WESVARRDEC.

During their visit to the WESVARRDEC office in West Visayas State University, Dr. Kim Yungho shared valuable notes and experiences gained from  the successful application of E-commerce in South Korea's agricultural sector.  It is expected that the Korean approach can successfully work in the Philippine setting through dynamic inter-agency support and international technological cooperation.

To learn more about Rural Development Administration's Global Agricultural Technology Cooperation, visit their English language website at www.rda.go.kr.    

       

Last batch of Region 6 FITS Centers now interconnected

By Christy Amular
WESVARRDEC Staff

              From right : FITS-ISS Romeo Reino of Tibiao, Antique 
              receives the wireless internet kit from  Consortium Director 
              Dr. Noeni Nepomuceno and RMIS Coordinator Louie Cervantes  

The last batch of FITS (Farmers Information and Technology Services) Centers in Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras and Negros Occidental are now online thanks to the provision of PCAARRD funded mobile internet connectivity kits. Powered by PLDT WeROAM mobile internet technology, the FITS centers can now enjoy high-speed internet connectivity that will facilitate faster access to information to fast track the delivery of services to clients in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and natural resources. 

During the interconnectivity orientation held at the WVSU Institute of  Information and Communication Technology last December 7, 2012, FITS- Information System FITS-participants were briefed on how to set-up the internet connection in their respective FITS centers. They were likewise oriented on how to use and maintain their FITS Information System (FITS-IS) account.  

The FITS-IS system as an ICT tool in R&D seeks to organize data available on technologies whether from local, regional and other sources. It also seeks to provide an up-to-date inventory of agriculture-related publications and video materials that are available to FITS clients.  The system is composed of six major databases namely: (1) technology, (2) experts profile, (3) farmers profile, (4) contact firms, (5) publication, (6) technology video materials.  

RACO coordinator Villasis bags Hall of Fame Award

By Deodith Grace Honrado-Baticbatic

Miss Sally Villasis with PCCO Secretary Sonny Coloma.

RACO staff

Salvacion “Sally” Villasis of Aklan State University received the first-ever Presidential Medal for winning as Best Performing Information Officer in Western Visayas for three consecutive years in 2010, 2011 and 2012 during the Information Officers’ Yearend Conference at Nature’s Village in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on December 7, 2012. 

Her award as Best Performing Information Officer for 2012 and the Presidential Medal (Sagisag ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas) were conferred by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, who was assisted by Philippine Information Agency 6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa. 

As the Best Performing Information Officer, Villasis was cited by the PIA for her exemplary performance in the field of government information, through information, education and communication activities in support of major thrusts and programs of government based on agency mandates and directions. 

In winning the awards, Villasis said she hopes to inspire her fellow Aklanon information officers based in their respective government agencies and local government units to sustain and enhance their information and communication work to further heighten the awareness of the public on the government’s programs and projects. 

“I give all the glory to God. This is all because of His grace”, Villasis said. 

Presently, Villasis is an Agricultural Technician at the ASU-Extension and Community Services, Station Manager of DYMT-FM Community Radio, In-Charge of Media Relations of ASU and Coordinator of the Western Visayas Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium-Regional Applied Communications Office (WESVARRDEC-RACO).  She is also an active member and Secretary of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA). 

The award was conceptualized by the PIA to recognize the region’s best IOs for their extraordinary accomplishments and contribution to government information work in their respective agencies bearing implications to national thrusts in general, and come up with a documentation of impact programs in the field of development communication per province in the region. 

The criteria set by PIA in the selection of Best Performing Info Officers included personal profile, community involvement, accomplishments, citations and awards received on information work and impact projects for the period 2010 to 2012. 

PIA-Aklan Chief Venus G. Villanueva, said Villasis received the first-ever Presidential Medal, emerging as the first in Western Visayas to receive such, besting other provinces.  It was a surprise award, on top of her being Aklan’s lone awardee this year and her winning made the APIOA proud, the PIA-Aklan family and the province of Aklan.