DOST earmarks P225-M for agri modernization

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has committed P225 million to strengthen and sharpen the focus of its ongoing projects and activities in support of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA).

The amount has been earmarked from the budget allocationi of DOST's researcyh and development institutes (RDI) and councils, reported Executive Director Patricio S. Faylon of the Philippine Council forAgriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) of DOST based here.

Faylon added that the fund has been translated into S&T projects and activities, particularly in support of small and medium enterprises such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP).

His forum was a recent program marking the celebration of PCARRD's 30th anniversary.

Keynote speaker was Luis Lorenzo Jr., Presidential Adviser on Job Creation, who spoke on the affair's theme "PCARRD at 30: Providing Dynamic S&T Leadership in Agriculture and Natural Resources."

DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro also delivered a message.

Faylon said that the DOST-bankrolled projects are intended to realize improved food security and greater export earnings, open new international markets, create a multiplier effect in the domestic economy, and realize poverty reduction goals.

Of the 206 component projects in suppot of AFMA's five thrusts, 37 percent addresses concerns on globaly competitiveness, 32 percent on food security, and nine percent each on poverty alleviation, people empowerment, and sustainable development.

Faylon also reported that for the past 30 years, PCARRD's S&T thrusts and priorities in agriculture and natural resources (ANR) have been continually refocused to build on the strength of the National and Agriculture and Resources R&D Network (NARRDN), respond to the dynamic R&D environment, hurdle obstacles such as resource limitations, and directly address the development needs of the country's poor and socially disadvantaged group.