DIP Lab Hosts Final Presentation of Region V Policy Research on AANR

The final presentation for the Policy Analysis and Research Proposal Development program in Region V was held on May 23, 2025, at the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The event opened with remarks from CPAf Dean Dr. Aileen Lapitan; Dr. Ramona Isabel Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA); and Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, Director of the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD). The speakers emphasized the importance of continued policy development to support the region’s agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.

A total of eight research teams from various consortium member institutions are presenting their policy research proposals focused on the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. Participating institutions include Partido State University, Bicol University, Sorsogon State University, CBSUA - Main Campus, Camarines Norte State College - Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, the Philippine Coconut Authority - Albay Research Center in collaboration with Bicol University, CBSUA - Calabanga Campus, and Camarines Norte State College with the Department of Agriculture RFO 5.

𝐁𝐂𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐁𝐒𝐔𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐗𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫  

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐃 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), in partnership with DOST Sectoral Councils (DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-PCHRD) and the Bicol Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (BCIEERD), held the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Needs Assessment and Consultation Meeting in Legazpi City on March 20, 2025.

The event included a BSP Needs Assessment Mechanics workshop, led by Dr. Greg Foliente from the University of Melbourne. Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, BCAARRD director, and representatives from BCAARRD’s Consortium Member Institutions attended the session. The workshop aimed to assess the Bicol region's research and development needs, focusing on Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR), Health, Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology.

The meeting provided a platform for experts and institutions to discuss the potential role of Balik Scientists in addressing regional challenges. The goal was to align their expertise with the region's development priorities, strengthening the local research and development efforts.

BCAARRD holds 36th Reg’l symposium on R&D highlights; Researchers bag awards

Camarines Norte- Researchers in the Bicol Region bagged awards in the 36th Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH) for Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARD) conducted on March 6, 2025, at Camarines Norte State College with the theme, “Advancing resilience: R &D solutions for sustainable agriculture, aquatic systems, and natural resources”.

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, executive director of the Department of Science and Technology—Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)—delivered his keynote speech via recorded video. In his message, he emphasized the importance of innovative S&T-based solutions through R&D in addressing environmental challenges and minimizing event impacts. Dr. Ebora also highlighted DOST-PCAARRD’s initiatives to address environmental issues.

The event was also graced by Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) chairperson and Bicol University President, Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III. In his message, he acknowledged the roles of collaboration in the pursuit of innovation and development for sustainable societies.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arlene C. Alegre, Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, and Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves served as evaluators in the research category while Mr. Hermogenes Miguel G. Formento, Ms. Analiza C. Diaz and Mr. Emmanuel L. Orogo served as the evaluators under the development category.

The 2025 RSRDH served as an avenue to evaluate research and compete with the best Research and Development projects among the consortium member institutions of BCAARRD. The RSRDH also acknowledged student undergraduate research through a research poster presentation.

The winning papers under the research category are as follows; Best Paper. Genetic diversity analysis of coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) populations in the Bicol Region using microsatellite (SSR) markers by Maria Elizabeth B. Naredo, Sarah Jane M. Daz, Marvin D. Bigay (PCA ARC). 2nd Best Paper. Removal and lead (Pb) Ions from aqueous solutions through chemical adsorption technique by Prof. Maria Crispina P. Baltazar (BUCS) and 3rd Best paper. Growth and Yield Performance of Queen Pineapple Using Different Rates and Combination of Vermicast, chicken dung, foliar fertilizers, and organic concoctions in an organic production system by Engr. Eula D. Rada (DA RFO 5).

Meanwhile, the winning papers under the development category are the following; Best Paper, Pili NICER (Niche R&D Center in the Bicol Region) by Marissa N. Estrella, Judith R. Chavez, Lester M. Narvaez, Estrella A. Caple, Nancy M. Espartinez, Christopher O. Pacardo, Vladimir R. Foronda and Ronnel R. Atole and Engr. Nancy M. Espartinez (BU Guinobatan),  2nd Best Paper, Physico-chemical parameters of Cacao bean fermentation using optimized small-scale fermentation in selected farms in Bicol Region by Dr. Samuel C. Bobiles (BUCS) and 3rd Best Paper, Assessing the market potential of Pili Milk by Engr. Agnes D. Espinola, Engr. Henrilyn R. Yamson and Rosella Formento (DA RFO 5)

The winners for poster presentation are as follows; Best Poster, Performance evaluation of the modified multi-fiber crop slitter-presser by Kristine P. Balbin, Zyra D. Binos, Joyce Marie C. Brusola,  and Engr. Nancy M. Espartinez ( BU Guinobatan), 2nd Best Poster, Effect of Chitosan Microparticles-loaded with Pili-pulp extract (PE-CMPs) on the Pigmentation of Belta Fish ( Betta splendens) by John Leonard Brul, Shiena Canapit and Prof. Benyl John A. Arevalo ( BU Tabaco) and 3rd Best Poster, Organic feed formulation for Quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica) layers at varying feeding intervals and water delivery scheduling by Desiree P. Batifora, Karen Mae C. Completo, Tween Alem P. Galve, Marjohn L. Oraa, Engr. Nancy M. Espartinez and Engr. Jaylene Kimberly B. Acosta (BU Guinobatan).

The best papers from the research and development category will be sent to compete in the Best R&D Award organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The RSRDH is held annually and organized by BCAARRD to effectively institutionalize and promote integrated S&T support for regional and national development.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (Ebesmonte)

RRDCC Holds first meeting for cy 2025

The first Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) meeting for Calendar Year 2025 was held at Sorsogon State University (SORSU) in Sorsogon City on February 5, 2025. The meeting was attended by representatives from nineteen (19) Consortium Member Institutions (CMI’s) of the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD).

Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, president of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and outgoing RRDCC Chairman, presided over the meeting. Dr. Lester N. Narvaez, director of BCAARRD, presented the accomplishments of BCAARRD for 2024, highlighting that all targets for the year were achieved, with special recognition given to the CMI’s for their contributions.

During the meeting, Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III, president of Bicol University, officially assumed the role of RRDCC Chair for the 2025-2027 term. Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, president of Sorsogon State University, was elected Vice Chairperson of the RRDCC.

Dr. Naperi, the outgoing chair, called for continued commitment and support from all CMI’s in advancing research and development projects throughout the Bicol region. In recognition of his contributions to BCAARRD and the RRDCC, Dr. Naperi was presented with a plaque of appreciation.