BAGUIO CITY – In preparation for the call for proposals for research for development (R4D) of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the DA-RFO CAR Research Division through the Cordillera Regional Research Development and Extension Network (CoRRDEN) spearheaded the proposal preparation and packaging writeshop on July 11-12, 2023 at the Baguio Animal Breeding and Research Center (BABRC), Dontogan, Baguio City.
Candice Guilaran, Project Development Officer III of the DA-BAR Program and Development Division, discussed the detailed proposal format and budget guidelines. She mentioned that the budgetary requirement has four general categories namely personal services (PS), maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), equipment outlay (EO), and administrative cost.
She said that the Local Government Units (LGU) can be collaborators wherein they can participate in meetings and selection of beneficiaries. “Align your proposals with the thrusts and priorities of the Department for 2024,” Guilaran underscored.
Dr. Luis P. Lang-oy, Chief of the Research Division, added that the proposals must be aligned with the Regional Integrated Research, Development, Extension Agenda and Program (RIRDEAP) 2022-2028. The RIRDEAP serves as the basis for preparing RDE proposals and that it embodies the integrated thrusts and priorities for research, development, and extension in agriculture.
Meanwhile, Veronica F. Fangasan, Head of the Research Development and Proposal Evaluation Section, emphasized the priority commodities in the region that the researchers must be reminded of in coming up with the proposals. These commodities are rice, corn, highland vegetables (white potato, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, carrot, and snap beans), fruit trees (carabao mango, strawberry), livestock (large ruminant, small ruminant), poultry, plantation crops (coffee, cacao, and banana), lowland vegetables (ampalaya, squash, string beans, eggplant, and tomato).
She also shared the specific researchable areas from the banner programs. For the Rice Program, researchable areas are efficacy testing of soil ameliorants in different particular locations, preference of millers for varieties to grow in the cluster, and drone application for direct seeded rice. For the Corn Program, these are livestock integration in corn production and profitability of corn silaging and corn grain establishment. For the Livestock Program, areas for research are the coping mechanisms of farms in times of ASF and Avian Influenza (AI), and for the Organic Agriculture Program, possible researchable areas are the efficacy of rabbit manure and urine in multiple crops in different soil types, possible sustainable fertilizer applications and rates in organic farms after transitioning from commercial farms, possible analysis of organic fertilizer concoctions by farmers, use of a composting facility for biodegradable waste, and substrates being used and its application to organic production.
Ms. Fangasan requested that the proposals be submitted to the CoRRDEN secretariat on or before August 16, 2023, for review and consolidation. The proposals that will pass the review process will be endorsed by the DA-CAR Regional Executive Director to the DA-BAR on or before August 31, 2023.
The CoRRDEN is established as a major partnership mechanism of stakeholders for Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) stakeholders to deliver quality programs and services that are relevant, inclusive, well-coordinated, complemented, and effectively carried out. It is composed of public and private institutions engaged in research for development and extension initiatives in the region. It includes, but not be limited to, the DA-RFO CAR, Agricultural Training Institute, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Provincial/Municipal LGUs, and Society Organizations (CSOs). By Sherry Antonio
