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To strengthen collaboration and align research priorities in the agriculture and fisheries sector, the Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), convened the National Agri-Fishery Research for Development Summit (NAFRDS) from March 11 to 13, 2026 in Pampanga.

The summit served as a platform for knowledge sharing, policy discussions, public-private collaboration, and the development of a unified research for development (R4D) agenda for the sector.

In a message delivered by DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Asis Perez, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring that agricultural research remains practical and relevant.

“The NAFRDS provides an important platform for collaboration. It allows us to bring together knowledge, experience, and expertise so that the research we pursue is practical, relevant, and capable of improving productivity, resilience, and incomes in the countryside,” he said.

Organized in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the three-day gathering brought together hundreds of participants from academic institutions, government agencies, research organizations, nongovernment groups, and the private sector from across the country.

Participants examined key issues, challenges, and opportunities in the agri-fishery sector while identifying priority areas for R4D collaboration and policy recommendations to support local agricultural systems.

Parallel workshop sessions focused on several subsectors, including aquaculture, capture fisheries, rice, corn, fruits, legumes, highland and lowland vegetables, coconut, industrial and plantation crops, root crops, integrated forest management crops, and livestock such as poultry, swine, and ruminants.

According to the agriculture chief, the summit aims to harmonize the efforts of government, academe, and industry in building a stronger and more resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.

“Through this summit, we hope to co-develop a unified R4D agenda that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening agriculture and fisheries. By aligning knowledge, resources, and partnerships, research and innovation can help ensure a future where Filipino farmers and fisherfolk are both productive and prosperous,” he said.

Perez emphasized the urgency of developing a unified research agenda, noting that limited resources and ongoing geopolitical tensions could pose risks to the country’s food security.

He said the department aims to better coordinate research initiatives and maximize available funds while avoiding duplication of studies. The DA is also encouraging stronger collaboration with the private sector in identifying industry-driven research priorities.

Perez added that the department plans to prioritize applied research, particularly field trials and the adoption of agricultural technologies.

The initiative seeks to bring existing research outputs directly to farming communities and expand their use on a larger scale, allowing proven technologies and knowledge to benefit more farmers and fisherfolk.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis also expressed their commitment to advancing the agri-fishery sector through stronger research collaboration and innovation among institutions.

BAR Officer-in-Charge Director Joell Lales said the summit aims to produce a harmonized long-term research and development agenda that could guide the sector for the next five to ten years.

He added that the initiative is designed to be industry-driven while also encouraging the participation of younger generations in shaping agricultural policies.

Once finalized, the consolidated proposals from the summit will be published and shared with the public. Lales said the document could also serve as a reference during budget deliberations, demonstrating that the agenda reflects the collective input of various stakeholders, particularly from the private sector.

He noted that the summit’s outputs will also serve as a policy tool to support improved funding and investments for agricultural research and development.

NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR