A team of evaluators from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a field validation of the three Quirino State University research and development (R&D) projects on August 20, 2024 at the Learning Resource Center of Diffun Campus.

Commencing with a brief preliminary program, interviews and validation process proceeded for the project team and farmer-beneficiaries of the Smarter and Sustainable Coffee Production through Clonal Propagation and Rejuvenation Technology, QSU’s contribution for the UGNAY Award quest of the Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD).

During the evaluation, CVAARRD’s significant role in the implementation of R&D projects has been revealed by various sectors. Dr. Jocelyn P. Carag (Internationalization Focal Person, CHED) discussed the important contributions of CVAARRD-supported R&D projects in providing experiential learning to students. Further, Engr. Rocela Angelica Gorospe (Provincial S&T Director, DOST) shared that CVAARRD became their active partner in their roadmapping activities for smart and sustainable Quirino.

Adding to the accounts of CVAARDs’ contributions from Hon. Elmor V. Villaruel who represented Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua and Congresswoman Mindy N. Cua, QSU President Hermenegildo F. Samoy,Jr., discussed how CVAARRD supported the R&D projects of the university, including the export-quality JaBes Ube Powder manufactured by Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association. He also added that collaborations with the organization and PLGU Quirino paved the way to research initiatives that provided basis for policy formation.

Informed of Quirino’s development initiatives on agriculture and tourism, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (CVAARRD RRDC Chairperson and ISU President) extended his cordial invitation to PLGU Quirino to join the consortium.

The evaluation panel included esteemed evaluators from DOST and academic institutions, who assessed the projects’ potential for impact and sustainability, namely: Dr. Melvin B. Carlos (PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director, OED-ARMMS), Dr. Tereso A. Abella (Academician and Professor Emeritus, CLSU), Dr. Domingo E. Angeles (Academician), Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz (Academician and Professor Emeritus, UPLB), Dr. Julius Ceasar V. Sicat (Regional Director, DOST R03), and Dir. Noel A. Catibog ( Director, PCAARRD-TTPD). Notable leaders and individuals were also in attendance at the event, including Dr. Miladis B. Mabutol (CVAARRD Consoritum Director), Dr. Virginia Bilgera (DOST-Regional Director), and a representative of Hon. Sheena Tan ( Santiago City Mayor).

Recognizing the noble intentions behind the conduct of the assessed initiatives, the evaluators encouraged the projects’ expansion of implementation in pursuit of environment preservation and sustainable development.
I QIO