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What is BAR?

 

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) was created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 116 signed in 1987. It was mandated to "ensure that agricultural researches are coordinated and undertaken for maximum utility to agriculture." The EO requires the Bureau to tap farmers, farmers' organizations, and research institutions, including state universities and colleges (SUCs), in the conduct of research for use by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its clientele."

The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 or AFMA (Republic Act 8435) and Executive Orders 127 (1999) and 338 (2000) affirmed and strengthened the role of BAR in the management of agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D) in the country. At present, BAR is also tasked to orchestrate, consolidate, and strengthen the National Research and Development System for Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF).

 

Mission/Mandate

The Bureau coordinates and funds agricultural and fishery research and development activities, develops partnerships and linkages with local and international research organizations, sources funds from local and foreign donor institutions, strengthens institutional capabilities of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, manages knowledge, and advocates policies toward improved governance and progressive agricultural and fishery sector value chain.

 

Vision

A stable and progressive future for the Filipinos through excellence in research and development in agriculture and fisheries.

 

Core Functions

Executive Order 338 series of 2000 strengthened and expanded the functions of BAR. As a coordinating body for R&D system for agriculture and fisheries, it performs the following functions:

1. Coordinate and strengthen the NaRDSAF;


2. Manage the R&D fund of the Department based on CRGM and RDEAP;


3. Provide leadership in the formulation and updating of the Research, Development, and Extension Agenda and Programs for both the national and regional levels;


4. Coordinate the development and implementation of a manpower development program for R&D staff and researchers;


5. Develop and implement a program for the acquisition, upgrading, and maintenance of R&D facilities and equipment;


6. Implement a monitoring and evaluation system on agriculture and fisheries R&D;


7. Develop and maintain agriculture and fisheries R&D information system linked to the National Information Network (NIN); and


8. Establish and strengthen partnerships with national and international research institutions.

 

R&D Goals

As mandated by the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), the agriculture and fisheries research, development, and extension program of the country shall focus on food security, poverty alleviation, social equity, improved productivity and increased income, marketing efficiency, resource sustainability, and global competitiveness.

 

Research and Development Thrusts

1. Improving agriculture and fishery productivity and profitability

   BAR strives to make agriculture and fisheries productive and profitable through better production and management principles.

2. Protecting the environment

   BAR enhances research to conserve natural resources, especially soil and water, and to reduce any negative effects that agriculture has on the environment.

3. Saving biodiversity

   BAR commits resources, saving biodiversity through conservation.

4. Improving Policy

   BAR pursues policy research to help streamline, improve, and propose policies that influence the diffusion of new agricultural innovations as well as the management and use of natural resources.

5. Nurturing knowledge system in agriculture and fisheries

   BAR seeks to nurture knowledge and information system to accelerate the use of productivity-enhancing and sustainable technologies but also to promote people empowerment and gender equity.

 

Quality Policy

As an ISO 9001:2000 certified agency, the Bureau of Agricultural Research is committed to consolidate, strengthen and develop the agriculture and fisheries R&D system for the purpose of improving its effectiveness and efficiency.

It shall ensure customer satisfaction and continuous improvement through work excellence, teamwork and networking, accountability and innovation in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements and regulations.