The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) in collaboration with DOST R02 – PSTC Batanes commenced its very first Nationwide Regional Basic Research Caravan last August 14-15, 2019, with Batanes as its launching point. The Caravan is NRCP’s latest initiative to promote research and innovations for active involvement and increased utility.
The event was graced by Usec. Brenda Nazareth-Manzano and shared that DOST recognizes the important role of the region in spurring national development and believes that the strength of the country lies in the ingenuity of her people coupled with a vast and diverse resources in the region. PD Nora T. Garcia, represented RD Sancho Mabborang, is positive that through the Caravan, DOST is expecting for more proposals for submission and also promised that PSTC and DOST R02 are very willing to assist researchers.
Batanes has been chosen as the launching point of the caravan because NRCP see many opportunities and potential research areas that can be explore further. Moreover, they see talents that can be harnessed for greater good.
First part of the caravan is the sharing of NRCP research findings wherein Dr. Bonifacio Cayabyab presented the result of the research on Molecular Diagnostics and Taxonomy of Cassava Pests and their Natural Enemies. He also shared basic knowledge on pest management especially on root crops and vegetables.
In the alignment of the R&D Agenda of Region, PD Garcia presented the DOST Batanes Programs and Project and the R&D Agenda of the Region. While, Dr. Marieta Sumagaysay presented the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) of NRCP.
Important part of the caravan is a workshop wherein participants were grouped into six. Each group were to identify relevant needs in the province which could be potentially researchable areas and are aligned to the 6 priority areas of NIBRA. Among the important issues that emerged are waste management, water security and sanitation issues, waste water treatment, cultural and Ivatan language for development, preservation of traditional houses using modern engineering techniques, alternative sources of energy (renewable), food security an sufficiency.
These issues were later aligned to NRCP’s National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA), the Council’s research direction for 2017-2020, and specific course of actions were recommended for each issue.
The second day was devoted on enhancing of governance through science and arts wherein Ms. Sumagaysay (NRCP), Ms. Doreen Cariaso (BSC) and Ms. Ruby Raterta (NRCP) presented that NRCP funded programs, BSC Researches, and DOST monitoring and evaluation protocol, respectively. Ms. Sumagaysay also emphasized the important role of local government as key players for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) governance. Science-based policy making
How to become a member of NRCP; their duties, responsibilities and benefits were also discussed in order to attract more members.
Participants for the two-day activity came from the different government agencies and institutions such as Batanes State College, St. Dominic College, DepEd, DTI, DA, PDOH, PSWD, NCIP, PSA, BGH, Radyo Pilipinas and the local government units.
On the third day (Aug 16), separate coaching for researchers of the Batanes State College was conducted wherein they discussed possible researches to be conducted by the college by establishing niches center through the RDLead program of the NRCP. Problems that usually arises, procedure on proposal writing and guides for the access to different funds were also discoursed.
Workshop on the identification of pressing issues in the province and aligning it to NIBRA priority areas
Workshop on the identification of pressing issues in the province and aligning it to NIBRA priority areas
Radio interview at Radyo Pilipinas Batanes
Opening program at Batanes State College
Opening program at Batanes State College