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About Us > Milestones and Major Accomplishments
Milestones and Major Accomplishments
(1987 - 2004)
Aquino (1987 – 1992)
1987-1988
- The Research and Training Advisory Committee was established in 1988 to identify the thrusts and priorities of the DA's R&D effort, recommend research priorities, provide direction and advice on research, education and training program, and recommend R&D programs for approval by the Secretary.
- The Bureau initiated the formulation of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Agenda (NAREA), the embodiment of agricultural R&D priorities.
- In its effort to strengthen the Research and Extension Linkage, BAR initiated an extension-led research process under the Accelerated Agricultural Production Project's Research and Outreach Sub-Project (AAPP-ROS).
- The Bureau institutionalized in-house R&D reviews and budget dialogue.
- The Technotrends and Farming Update publications were published.
- The National Research Symposium was held two years after the Bureau was established.
- The first version of the computer-based DA Research Monitoring System was developed.
- Aimed in synthesizing research information in order that such can contribute to the development of Philippine agriculture, the Bureau started the DA – Geographical Information Systems (DA-GIS)
- Policy guidelines for improving the prioritization, implementation, and evaluation of R&D projects were instituted under Administrative Order 105.
- BAR initiated the DA Station Rationalization Program to strengthen the internal capability of the R&D stations through restructuring of each station and its facilities and providing the policies and guidelines for their operationalization.
- The Bureau spearheaded the development of short-term and long-term components of the Mt. Pinatubo Research and Development program.
- The Bureau launched the DA Research Commercialization Program (DARCOP).
- BAR operationalized the Philippine Agricultural Research Journal and the coordination of the Scientific Career System.
- Started the publication and distribution of 2 BAR regular publication; TECHNOTRENDS and FARMING UPDATES.
- Development of Operations Research (OR) Training Course Framework.
- Development of Computer-Based DARMS Sub-system (B1) and completed the four (4) modules under B1 subsystem.
- Development of BAR’s Agricultural Research Information Center (ARIC) conceptual framework.
- Upgrading of computers in DA regional offices and staff skill enhancement on computer software operation through trainings.
Ramos (1992 – 1998)
1992
- The National Agricultural Research and Extension Agenda (NAREA) was updated to reflect the current needs of the agriculture sector in the country.
- The Bureau implemented the National Fisheries Research Program and the National Fisheries Outreach Plan under the Fisheries Sector Program.
- The Bureau prepared the Research and Development System Rationalization Program of the Department of Agriculture.
- The Bureau conducted the Expert's Conference/Workshop on Sustainable Agriculture and the development of the Key Commercial Crops Program as a component of the DA Medium-Term Agricultural Development Plan (MTADP).
- The Manpower Development Program for Fisheries was implemented to upgrade the capability of fisheries researchers.
- BAR completed the DARMS Basic Information System. Fully utilized, the subsystem shall served as a database for basic information on the researches conducted by the Department.
- The ratification of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade brought about a change in the role of R&D in bringing about global competitiveness of the Philippine Agricultural Sector.
- The Philippines hosted the 3rd Asian Farming Systems Symposium where BAR acted as the secretariat. Local and international practitioners, researchers and scientists of farming systems attended the event. :
- The Bureau coordinated, monitored and funded four programs for the Grains Production Enhancement Program (GPEP) – Production Technology Component (R&D) and various projects and activities under the Fisheries Sector Program (FSP)
1995
- BAR implemented several fund sources for R&D activities, such as the Sustainable Agriculture Systems Projects, Key Commercial Crops Development Project and the Grains Production Enhancement Project.
- Gintong Ani for Corn, Gintong Ani Program(GAP) -- High Value Commercial Crops, and the Philippine Integrated Pest Management Program (KASAKALIKASAN) were the alternative sources of funds for other R&D activities of the Bureau.
- The medium term implementation of the Gintong Ani for Corn R&D at the national level was entrusted to the Bureau.
- The Bureau implemented the Corn-Techno-Demo Projects.
- The DA-Research Monitoring System was redesigned to run via the Internet and to gather pertinent information for management purposes, especially for agricultural policy formulation and for improving R&D planning and implementation activities.
- The Bureau concentrated on the provision of effective administrative and management coordination of the R&D components of the Gintong Ani Programs. Close attention was given to BAR's relationships with other agencies and institutions in terms of research project implementation, information networking and other endeavors.
- The Bureau spearheaded the implementation of the Community-based Participatory Action Research. The program was implemented by the 15 Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers. It dealt with the implementation of corn R&D programs particularly on open-pollinated varieties and hybrid varieties. The Corn Block Farming was launched as an offshoot to enhance the strategies of corn R& D and extension programs.
- The Bureau pursued the Agricultural Sustainability Advancement Project (ASAP) which was funded through the Agricultural Research Fund of Senator Edgardo J. Angara. The goal of the project is to support location-specific R&D activities aimed at sustaining production in the Gintong Ani Program priority areas.
- Installation of DA Research Monitoring System’s Sub System 1 (B1) in DA Regional Offices.
- Procurement of new computer units with advance capabilities and BAR connected to Internet.
- Establishment of AGRINET, an interconnectivity among the DA units.
- Supported the development and establishment of Philippine Fisheries Information System (PhilFIS) network for fisheries and aquatic resources.
- Reproduction of Nine (9) Modules for DA On-Farm Research Manual.
1998
- The Implementing Rules and Regulations of AFMA were translated and formulated into workable strategies as a direction to R&D management. Acting Secretary William D. Dar signed the AFMA-IRR on 10 July 1998.
- On 14 July 1998, Dr. Eliseo R. Ponce was appointed Director of BAR. He initiated the review and development of strategies underlying the implementation of R&D and the improvement of the NaRDSAF. These include the RDE participatory approach to agenda setting and program formulation, creation and establishment of RDE networks, adoption of the one system-one program approach, improved research prioritization and resource allocation.
- To embody the integrated R&D programs for specific commodities or sectors, the Bureau formulated the implementing guidelines on the preparation of the National Integrated Research and Development Programs (NIRDPs)
- The Bureau started the implementation of the manpower development program that consists of local and foreign trainings, workshops, symposia and conferences
- A covenant was signed by NaRDSAF members on February 1999 to serve as the manifestation of support by all implementors and practitioners of R&D to the new modalities of the R&D system. It covers program implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs, participatory approach to agenda setting program implementation, improved research prioritization and resource allocation, increased R&D accountability, RDE networking, provision of the institutional development and support to all network members and the institutionalization and operationalization of the one system-one program approach.
- The Farmer/Fisherfolk-Industry Advisory Committees of the different RDE networks were established.
- The Senior Scientist Advisory Committee was operationalized in providing direction and programs in RDE.
- The Council for Extension, Research and Development in Agriculture and Fisheries was approved by virtue of Executive Order 127.
- The Bureau orchestrated the passage of Presidential Proclamation No. 382 declaring October 2-6 as the National Agriculture and Fisheries R&D Week.
- BAR organized and coordinated the Department of Agriculture of Thailand-BAR Joint Seminar Planning Workshop.
- In support to the recommendation of the Congressional Commission on Agricultural Modernization to strengthen and empower the human resource of the R&D system, the bureau implemented the Institutional Development Program (IDP) that provides scholarship and training assistance to scientists and researchers.
- BAR legalized its collaborations with in-country and international R & D institutions by signing a Memorandum of Agreement/ Understanding (MOU/MOA). It has packaged three R&D projects in collaboration with Winrock International, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Mindanao Region:
- Pinoy Farmer Development Program- this project aimed to facilitate and advance the competitive and sustainable agribusiness enterprises of the country’s small farmers and fishermen through the use of market- driven approach, participatory extension, research and development and information and communication technology.
- Institutionalization of the Philippine CornResearchCenter (PhilCorn)- this project aimed to strengthen the country’s capability in conducting integrated corn R & D activities for intensified national corn productivity, efficiency and profitability.
- R & D Program in Muslim Mindanao- this is a joint project with the Philippine Rice research Institute, ARMM, Integrated Agricultural Research Center (ARMMIARC), DA- RFU XII and Mindanao State University.The project involves germplasm collection, conservation of indigenous plant and fish species, the establishment of an R & D building, experiment station, and tissue culture in concerned provinces.
- BAR has signed Memoranda of Agreement/ Understanding (MOA/MOU) with INIBAP, ILASS, IBSRAM, ISAAA AND Thailand Department of Agriculture for future collaborative activities.
- The National Information Network (NIN) was established to interconnect institutions, agencies, bureaus and other entities under the DA. This allows NaRDSAF members, NGOs, people’s organizations, and individual farmers and fisherfolk to access, exchange, and share research results, market information, and development activities related to agriculture and fisheries R&D.
- The Agriculture and Fisheries R&D Information System (AFRDIS) was established. This is a computerized information system of R&D data from research institutions and NaRDSAF members to promote efficient and effective inter-institutional collaborations, information flow among stakeholders, and information and knowledge exchange among end- users. AFRDIS operates five (5) Information Modules, namely: R&D financial Management Information system, R&D Management Information System, R&D Manpower Management Information System, Geographical Information system for R&D.
- 107 workstations within BAR were installed achieving the targeted 1:1 computer-staff ratio. Almost all of the workstations were connected to the Internet/Intranet enabling the bureau to operate 122 e-mail accounts and maintain 20 groups/distribution lists.
- Geographic Information System (GIS) – Research Evaluation Monitoring and Analysis of Projects (REMAP) was established and operationalized as a collaborative project with IRRI and other DA agencies. It is designed to synthesize, analyze, retrieve and output spatial information and provide resource agencies with a means of managing spatially referenced research and production data. Being a part of the National Information Network (NIN) system, GIS entails networking activities with DENR, BSWM, PIDS, PhilRice, NAMRIA, PAGASA, DA, BAS and GEODATA to institutionalize data collection and sharing.
- Started the publication and distribution of BAR new regular publications; BAR Chronicle (bi-monthly newsletter, started to 500 copies only per issue) and BAR Today (quarterly publication, 1000 copies per quarter).
- Development of Brochures for 4 BAR programs, namely, Scholarship, Non-Degree, Senior Scientists Advisory Committee and BAR Information Bulletin (1-3).
- Development of Regional Knowledge Products and Services (RKPS).
- Establishment of the Scientific Publication Grant System of BAR to support scientific and professional association and scientific fora for the publication of scientific journals, handbook, books and scientific proceedings. Initial budget of 2.45 million was utilized.
- Beef up the existing database of scientific R&D literature by 334 percent.
- Launch the Agriculture and Fisheries R&D Information System (2000).
- Eleven R&D Institutions developed Local Area Networks with grants from BAR.
- Establishment of Central Luzon Cluster of AFRDIS Online.
- Launching of BAR website
- Launching of R&D Information System and Admin Systems.
Arroyo (2001 – PRESENT)
- BAR invested Php 25.9 M for the Regional RDE to facilitate and improve the quality of R&D governance both in the agriculture and fishery sector. Thirty (30) regional Integrated RDE Agenda Programs (RIRDEAPs) were updated and implemented and a networking fund of Php 9M was provided to 28 regional RDE networks.
- To hasten the adoption of technologies by the ultimate users, twenty four (24) new projects were funded. On-Farm Research (OFR) programs were implemented in 15 regions of the country with a funding support from BAR and GMA Corn program amounting to Php 18M.
- A sub-component of the Grains Sector Development Program (GSDP) was also implemented to develop technologies that will ensure a stable supply of white corn at affordable prices and provide various industries with a sufficient supply of quality corn at competitive price.
- The GMA Banner Program gave a financial support for priority RDE programs/projects of the regions. A total of 127 detailed research proposals in agriculture and fisheries were reviewed and endorsed to the concerned program directors for GMA funding.
- Scholarship budget has increased from Php 12M to Php 17M hence, 40 employees were awarded scholarship for degree programs and provided partial financial assistance for researchers and scientists under the non-degree program.
- BAR, in coordination with the BPI and the DA-Southern Mindanao integrated agricultural Research Center (SMIARC), initially established the Philippine Fruits Research Institute (PhilFruits) and the PhilCorn.
- Aiming to upgrade NaRDSAF R&D facilities, BAR provided qualified R&D centers a flexible funding facility for the scientific equipment, renovation and construction of research facilities.
- BAR and DA attached agencies have been equipped with state-of-the-art computing technology. Information systems were developed. One database template and one-GIS-GPS system were adapted.
2002
- The Philippines made history by hosting the Annual General Meeting of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) with BAR as chair of the organizing Committee. During this event, BAR had the opportunity to interact directly with its international partners and forge joint research collaborations. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed interest in conducting joint research projects with BAR.
- BAR created the Zonal Research Centers for Agriculture (ZRCAs) in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao through Administrative Order No. 24, series of 2002. This is to promote an integrated research agenda program through the regional agricultural centers and decentralize decision-making in R & D planning, monitoring, evaluation and implementation of projects.
- To further expand its national RDE networking activities the bureau launched the Post-Production systems and the Product Quality Systems networks. The Fishery Biotechnology program was also introduced and was considered for elevation to a national network.
- BAR had signed an agreement with the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute a joint research projects on banana and tropical fruits amounting to $ 300,000. A memorandum of understanding was also entered into with the International Maize and Wheat improvement Center (CIMMYT).
- The bureau was a representative to and co- organizer of the Philippine- International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) dialogue.
- The bureau has invested on information and computer technology to connect most of its partners via the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Systems (AFRDIS).
- BAR implemented the R & D facility Development and Maintenance Program through its institutional Development Grant (IDG).
- BAR prepared and disseminated a HRD profile format as part of its HRD database information system to DA Regional Field Units, staff bureaus and attached agencies, DA Central Office, PCARRD and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies.
- Launch a live video conferencing with the Central Luzon Cluster with GMA.
- BAR successfully secured board and chairmanship positions in three multilateral organizations: the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and Asian Vegetable Research Development Center (AVRDC). It has also forged partnerships with the local offices of international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), The WorldFish Center (ICLARM) and others.
- BAR strengthened the country’s commitment toward agricultural development, particularly the establishment of the ASEAN initiative entitled “Southeast Asian Forum on Agricultural Research (SEAFAR).
- DA-OSEC created the R&D management Committee (RDMC) to ensure smooth integration and coordination of R&D activities among NaRDSAF institutions which consist of the heads of R&D DA attached agencies and Regional technical Directors (RTDs) for R&D.
- The bureau launched its tie up with the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture (OPAPA) and was broadcasted in the internet via streaming video technology. The Open Academy was created to improve research-extension-farmer linkage through the use of ICT and distance learning.
- The bureau played host to foreign missions from the international agencies like Coarse Grains, Pulses, Roots and Tuber Crops Center (CGPRT), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and International Crops Research Institute for Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and visitors from the governments of India, US, Sweden, and Australia.
- The 15th National Research Symposium was broadcasted via the internet through the assistance of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).
- Several Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Development Information System (AFRDIS) clusters were connected specifically Central and Northern Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Visayas and Mindanao. With the aid of the AFRDIS technical team, 1st and 2nd phase of AFRDIS member institutions successfully established their Local Area Network (LAN).
2004
- To address the weak research – extension linkage, the Bureau intensified its funding to its CPAR program. A total of 158 CPAR sites were established and 1326 cooperators participated.
- Upgrading of ten R&D facilities were completed and inaugurated with the technical and funding support of BAR. Also, ten RIARCs and 7 BFAR RFRDCs R&D station master development plans were approved and funded.
- The Bureau transferred to its permanent site – the Research and Development Management and Information Center or RDMIC.
- BAR formally launched its bid for the ISO 9001/2000 Certification.
- BAR launched the Agritech Online, a one-stop-shop knowledge portal. Agritech Online is a repository of information relevant to farming and agribusiness composed of the following sections – Agribalita, AgriGaling, AgriKonek, AgriGabay, and AgriKaalaman
- The Bureau initiated the Investors and Techno Forum aimed in disseminating promising technologies to entrepreneurs and farmers/fisherfolk.
- A total of 18,172 IEC publications were distributed in 2004 (BAR Chronicle, BAR RDE Digest, Annual Report, R&D Highlights, NRS Proceedings and the BAR Techno Calendar). Furthermore, the BAR RDE Digest won the GAWAD Oscar Florendo Award for Best News Magazine.
- In its local and international collaborations and resource generation, BAR collaborated with ICRISAT for the adoption of its legume varieties and technologies. Also, BAR signed an MOU with WorldFish Center to develop cooperative and collaborative projects for the sustainable management and development of aquatic resources and a MOA to Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the implementation of the BAR – LBP National Technology Commercialization Program.
- Institutionalized the Intellectual Property Management Systems and Procedures for Agriculture and Fisheries.
- Remarkable increased of 187 percent readership of BAR Chronicle.
- Increased in the number of pages from 4 to 8 pages and a total of 25 issues released including the special issue.
- Procurement of top-of-the-line reproduction equipment and machines.
- Fund support for Special Publication Grants Program increased to P5.11 Million
- Ten R&D Institutions developed Local Area Networks with BAR support.
- BAR GIS laboratory/facility established
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