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Photo Releases > AVRDC DG visits BAR
AVRDC DG visits BAR2F BAR Conf. Rm., RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave., Diliman, QC
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| Dr. Dyno Keatinge, director general of the AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center, visits the Bureau of Agricultural Research for a briefing on the Centre’s programs and priorities. The meeting was attended by staff members from BAR and BPI. |
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| The meeting starts with the presentation of the BAR Primer to provide Dr. Keatinge an overview of the Bureau’s mandate, vision, and priority R&D programs. The meeting is presided over by BAR International Relations Unit Head Victorian B. Guiam. |
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| Dr. Keatinge presents a powerpoint titled “Prosperity for the Poor and Health for All” highlighting AVRDC’s programs and directions. |
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| In his presentation, Dr. Keatinge emphasizes the importance of vegetable crops in agriculture and mentions that RDE in vegetable commodities is not as resource-requiring as other major crops. Vegetables also contribute greatly to human nutrition, and the creation of employment and opportunities for enterprises. |
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| The group discusses possible areas for collaboration given that the Philippines has already withdrawn its contribution to AVRDC. Dr. Keatinge however assures that the partnership between two agencies will continue. He cites that what is important is the presence and participation of the Philippines in AVRDC activities not only because of its potential but also its contribution to the image of AVRDC among its donors. Dr. Keatinge confides that the departure of a founding member like the Philippines will not sit well with donors. |
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| BAR assures Dr. Keatinge that action towards restoring the Philippine contribution is being done but BPI has to take the initiative. Possible options are renewed interaction with DFA, and DA to shoulder the contribution through its own funds. Dr. Keatinge affirms that restricted grants for collaborative projects will count as part of the Philippine contribution. Meanwhile, Ms. Girlie Pintuan (right) discusses some of the ongoing programs of BPI particularly on vegetable R&D. |
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| Dr. Keatinge mentions one possible area of collaboration which is tapping Filipino experts to work for AVRDC. Mr. Guiam says that it could be in the best interest of BAR to set up a program for the dispatch of Filipino experts, not only for AVRDC, but other international/national institutions as well. |
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| Another possible area of collaboration is on ICT and extension. BAR is informed of the advances of the Center in electronic information networking and extension work that is making possible farmer access to AVRDC information and this includes distance learning. Dr. Obien suggests that DA’s OPAPA and BAR’s Tech Com might benefit from an infusion of AVRDC’s know-how in this field. |
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| Dr. Keatinge presents the AVRDC hat to Mr. Guiam (left) as a token of his visit to BAR. |
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| To conclude the activity, the group poses for a souvenir photo. |
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