LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – More than 100 research studies were presented and critiqued during the 3-day Annual In-House Research and Development (R&D) Review of Benguet State University (BSU) held at the Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC). The review was attended by 178 faculty, researchers and staff and graced by 15 technical evaluators from agencies such as UP, CHED, DOST, NEDA, SLU, BPI-Baguio and DENR.
In the opening message of the University’s Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carlito C. Laurean, he emphasized that in the 2016 levelling instruments for State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), more than 50 points in the key result areas are research and extension outputs. He cited the importance not only of research publications and citations of its faculty, but also reminded the researchers about the value of research outputs being utilized and creating impact and service to the community.
BSU prides itself for continually ensuring excellence and relevance in its research and extension work, especially in the area of highland crops, fruits and ornamentals; and now increasingly for environment-friendly and climate smart researches. With the dynamism of the local and global physical environments affecting the highland vegetable sector especially the farmers, BSU has not stopped conducting studies on varietal evaluation, development of seed production techniques, development of pest management and other crop management technologies—topics mostly covered by the presentations in the horticulture session.
Social and cultural researches as novel as studying “ragpat”, a form of transcendentalism existing among Christian Spiritists in Benguet; and “makibaa”, a living out experience common among residents in Mountain Province were presented under the session on social researches.
Under the session on education sector, researches on the attractiveness of interactive demonstration apparatuses and effectiveness of other teaching strategies were reported.
According to Dr. Mariano C. Marchan, Jr. of CHED–CAR and a long-time evaluator of BSU researches, “in general, there are improvements in the reports as a result of the comments we have been giving in previous years” thus he underscored the value of in-house reviews. Dr. Jimmy Fong, associate professor of UP and also a long time technical evaluator also noted that BSU researchers are now trying to make their research relevant to contemporary concerns like climate change, environment, health and trade developments.
The nine active research centers of BSU, namely: HORTI (Horticulture Research and Training Center), NPRCRTC (Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center), IHFSA (Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry), ISRD (Institute of Social Research and Development, COARDC (Cordillera Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center), (CRAC) Cordillera Apiculture Research Center, (CSAC) Climate Smart Agriculture Center, (FIPC) Food Innovation and Processing Center, and HERRC (Higher Education Regional Research Center) were represented in the event.
On impact and service to community as a result of research outputs, BSU through the years have been developing and promoting technologies that have been adopted by communities and now serving highland households. For one, BSU provides planting materials for many vegetables such as white potatoes, sweetpotatoes, taro, yam, snap and pole beans, garden peas and salad tomato. It is also the major provider of pest-free strawberry planting materials. With the emerging demand for organic vegetables, BSU is now also strengthening its capability in mass producing biological control products they have developed through the years.
Another example of the sustained impact of BSU researches is in the area of agricultural engineering. A micro-hydro prototype that can provide electricity for households in remote areas unreachable by power from the bigger dams, for example, was developed and promoted by the Agricultural Engineering Department of BSU. One was installed and is now providing electricity to remote areas in Danggo, Tinoc, Ifugao and Lusod, Kabayan, Benguet among others. Lusod Brgy. Captain Mr. Sanday L. Wais remains thankful to BSU to this date for such extension project that clearly has made their lives much more convenient and their community more progressive.
Another important fact that was made clear in one of the presentations during the In-House Review was that the now enlarged carrot washer being promoted by PhilMech was based from the original prototype developed by BSU in the early 1990s.
From September, 2016, BSU will be celebrating its 100th centennial anniversary. The Office of Research Services (ORS) is now spearheading the production of a coffee table book that will feature at least 100 technologies that have been generated or verified by BSU and have or are now making a difference in the lives of BSU clients. Dr. Araceli Ladilad, ORS Director is enjoining all its faculty and researchers, alumni, BSU retirees and previous employees to help BSU document technologies and research impacts particularly prior to the 1970s.
By Cheryll C. Launio
