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PROGRAMS |
Programs > Priority Areas of Concern
R&D Priority Areas of Concern
To close the gap between technology R&D and commercialization, the BAR shall fully implement its technology commercialization program that is aimed at facilitating the commercialization of newly developed technologies in order to facilitate their utilization. For 2006, the BAR has targeted a total of 69 potential technologies for commercialization. Through the NTCP, it is envisioned that technologies shall be strategically placed and transferred to areas and communities that most need it and thus enhance technology transfer as well as realize the impact of research results. In order to address the weak research-extension linkage, the Bureau shall intensify the “Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CPAR): The On-Farm Research (OFR) Program of DA-BAR” with the ultimate goal of increasing total farm productivity and income within the context of a sustainable production system following the farming system approach. The CPAR, which is basically a platform for technology assessment will involve the participation of the community together with the experts and researchers in identifying the most appropriate technologies that will meet the community’s priority needs. In support to the DA’s goal 1: Develop at least 2M hectares of new land for agribusiness to contribute 2M out of 10M jobs in 2010 - Agribusiness System Development projects shall be established in vacant/unutilized areas of R&D stations to showcase new technologies and farming systems for agribusiness enterprises and at the same time generate employment and income for the DA stations. To ensure management and protection of Intellectual Properties (IP) generated through the NaRDSAF agencies, direct assistance to the scientists/researchers in the preparation and submission of papers to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will be done. These will be through prior art search and documentation, claim drafting, legal counsel and coordination. For 2006 onwards it is envisioned that all IPs generated will secure Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in terms of patents, copyrights, service marks, etc and through BAR advocacy all researchers will be fully aware of the benefits accruing from IP protection. To develop a critical mass of researchers in agriculture and fisheries, the Human Resource Development Program shall focus on major activities such as the administration of the DA-NaRDSAF scholarship program and thesis/dissertation assistance; non-degree programs; and merit and incentive system. The DA-BAR NaRDSAF Scholarship Program is a facility that may be tapped by R&D employees to pursue higher studies. The non-degree program, on the other hand, covers the provision of financial assistance to researchers and scientists who will attend specialized training. The last major investment in R&D infrastructure happened in the early 80’s or almost two decades ago. The R&D Infrastructure Development Program shall strengthen the capacities of national and regional centers. It encompasses the acquisition of scientific equipment and information technology wares, construction and renovation of R&D facilities (office buildings, laboratories and experimental farms) and basic facilities (perimeter fence, water and power system, irrigation system and road networks) of NaRDSAF member institutions. Programs on knowledge management shall focus on the dissemination of information gathered and their development into multimedia R&D information packages. These programs provide support to scientific societies and universities in the areas of scientific publication, meetings and trainings and in the development of scientific libraries and web pages. Information and Communication Technology Programs shall support the information needed for the fulfillment of BAR’s mission of making agriculture useful to farmers and fisherfolk. As provided in the AFMA, the BAR shall coordinate the establishment and maintenance of a strong and responsive R&D information system for agriculture and fishery.
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