CLAARRDEC holds 1st FIESTA

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – University officials here in the province said the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) held the 1st Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija aiming to promote modern agriculture.

BPSU President Greg Rodis led the university contingent in attending the event that included Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Rudy Flores, Director for Research and Development Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, Abucay Campus Director Engr. Jonathan Lacayanga, College of Engineering and Architecture Instructor MC Ortega, and research personnel Sol Macaranas. CLSU, the consortium’s based agency, organized the event.

The four-day event was packed with activities that included  launching of the new CLAARRDEC website, photo contest and video documentaries competition, media orientation,  Magsasaka Siyentista and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS Day), lectures, technology/investment forum, technology demo and field tour, cook fest, and poster ad congress, among others.

Members of the consortium that included BPSU set up booths at the university gymnasium showcasing inventions, products, and research reading materials.

“It is a must to modernize agriculture not only in Central Luzon but also in the whole country. Through the research and development outputs, Region 3 could help the country catch up with the ASEAN neighbors”, university officials quoted  Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Edwin Villar during the opening ceremony.

“Through the FIESTA,  farmers, entrepreneurs, students, development workers, and other stakeholders will be able to connect with the generators of technologies or the researchers and scientists”, he added.

The Technology Business Forum in the second day was among the important activities, which aimed to connect the technology generator with potential investors, who are willing to commercialize the technology.

“The Technology Transfer Act of 2009 makes research and development institutions the owner of intellectual property rights arising from the results of government-funded research. This allows scientists to create, manage, or serve as consultants to companies that can commercially exploit technology arising from government-funded research”, PCAARRD Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Officer in Charge Dr. Melvin B. Carlos quoted explaining during the forum.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Nueva Ecija Board Member Rommel Padilla, BFAR Region 3 Director Dr. Willy Cruz, DA 3 Research Division Assistant Chief Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Pampanga State Agricultural University President Dr. Honorio M. Soriano Jr., and Bataan Peninsula State University President Dr. Greg Rodis. CLSU President Dr. Tereso Abella welcomed guests and participants.