BAR TODAY || Official Quarterly Publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

1st national confab on capture fisheries; call for papers
The National Capture Fisheries RDE Network called on all fishery scientists and researchers from government agencies, NGOs, SUCs, students, and locally based institutions to submit papers for presentation in the First National Conference of Capture Fisheries in December 2002 to be held at the UP Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo. This event co-sponsored by BAR will showcase the advances made in capture fisheries research for the past seven years. Deadline for submission of abstracts and regular registration was on September 30, 2002.

Region VII researchers' capability strengthened
The Central Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CENVIARC), in collaboration with BAR, Region VII RDE Network, and Institute for Strategic Research and Development Studies of LSU, conducted the training course on, "Strengthening the Socio-economic Research Capability of Region VII Research, Development, and Extension," at the Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center, Tagbilaran City. Twenty researchers from various institutions from Region VII participated in the two-week training. Participants discussed various aspects and approaches, and actual field practices in conducting RDE and presented their research outputs for critiquing and evaluation.

Project gets nod from external review team
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) initiated the Rural Intensification and Diversification Project wherein the main goals are the various production systems and expansion of farmers' options for income resources. BAR commissioned the Multi-Sectoral Consultants Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSCmpc) to conduct a feasibility study. The External Review Team rated the feasibility study results based on a criteria that considered food security, productivity and income, poverty eradication, empowerment, and global competitiveness. The project earned an average rating of 69.8% and will be endorsed by Dr. Eliseo R. Ponce to the DA Clearinghouse.

New R&D budget scheme rationalized
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) met with all DA R&D agencies on April 23, 2002 and discussed the rationale for the budget reform proposal by BAR. The proposed budget reform that follows a new version of budget allocation, which is a functional scheme instead of the commodity-based scheme presently implemented. In the functional scheme, allocation of budget is itemized according to R&D functions, regulatory functions, and programs.

ITDI gets BAR's institutional support
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) pledged an institutional development grant of P670, 000 to the DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). ITDI will use the support fund for the procurement of an E-VAL Potentiometer Validation and Monitoring System unit that maintains and monitors quality standards for processing canned and bottled sardines and milkfish.

CVIARC opens its new information center
The Cagayan Valley Integrated Agriculture Research Center (CVIARC) opened its new technology advance and agribusiness information center in Iligan, Isabela. The information center exhibits new technologies and researches on different upland crops and provides brochures, booklets, pamphlets that can help farmers. It also has a mini special viewing room that features technology demonstration and clips of various agricultural shows like 'Ating Alamin'.

BAR aids CLSU modernize irrigation facilities
The Bureau of Agricultural Research pledged P300,000 as institutional development grant for the Central Luzon State University (CLSU). The support grant will be used to establish five models of pressure irrigation systems within the campus and these include dippers, micro-sprinklers, and misters that are beneficial to growing plantation crops, fruit and forest trees, vegetables, ornamentals, and lawn grasses. These irrigation facilities will help improve high-value crops grown in greenhouses and the farmers in combating drought.