The PhilFIDA, along with some DA regional field offices, staff bureaus and attached agencies, State Universities and Colleges, R&D Institutions, partner private sector and other R&D stakeholders, joined the 12th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM MegaMall in Mandaluyong City on 11-14 August 2016. The theme was “Pagsulong ng mga Teknolohiya sa Pamayanan tungo sa Maunlad na Pagsasaka at Pangingisda.”
Showcased by the office in the product exhibition were fiber-based products from cooperatives/associations which were beneficiaries of the Community-Based Livelihood Project conducted by the agency through the Fiber Utilization and Technology Division (FUTD) several years ago. Also put on display were different natural fibers and information about the agency like its mission and vision. Some of the visitors included Director Victor B. Prodigo, UPLB Vice-Chancellor Rex Demafelis, Congressman Escudero, Congressman Arthur C. Yap, former Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, BAR Director Nicodemus P. Eleazar, BAR Assistant Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy and the PhilFIDA Directors.
The following inquiries were posed by the visitors who came from different universities, government agencies & research institutions, businessmen and private individuals:
- Where to get plantation materials (abaca, mulberry, cotton, pineapple)
- What fiber plant can be planted on their lands (Quezon, Camarines Norte, Cavite)
- Sources of fibers like salago, jute, kenaf
- Addresses of cooperatives/associations producing fiber-based products
- Abaca diseases and control
- Services/assistance that PhilFIDA can offer
- Uses of fibers
This event was organized by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) which coincided with the celebration of its 29th anniversary and where Senator Cynthia A. Villar was the guest speaker. In this, programs/projects were launched like the National Technology Commercialization Program Primer, the Research & Development Extension Agenda & Program (RDEAP) for Agriculture and Fisheries 2016-2022, Climate Change RDEAP for Agriculture and Fisheries 2016-2022, Organic Farming: A Thriving Fashion and Passion, and the Technology Commercialization on Wheels. This Bureau has been extending financial assistance to various research projects in agriculture and fisheries, thus, the beneficiaries showcase, and sell their products to the public. Free seminars on several topics were conducted in the event while best new products and best booth were awarded in the closing program.
