The Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) has joined forces with the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) to support technology commercialization projects as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund’s (ACEF) Research for Development (R4D) Component Program. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, Bureau of Agricultural Research Director Junel B. Soriano, and WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, who was represented by RDEC Director Dr. Reynante E. Autida at DA-BAR in Diliman, Quezon City on November 14, 2023. The ceremonial MOA signing was also attended by the two (2) project leaders of WMSU, College of Agriculture – Ms. Arlyn O. Rebuza and Mr. Arveelyle T. Lagora.
This DA-BAR ACEF aims to foster the development and promotion of agri-fishery technologies, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and income for farmers and fisherfolk. The ceremonial MOA signing was witnessed by officials from DA-BAR and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), sets the stage for the execution of 24 new projects. Comprising 17 projects focused on upgrading R4D facilities and 7 supporting technology commercialization projects, these endeavors will be carried out by SUCs in collaboration with farmers, fisherfolk cooperatives, and associations as vital partners and beneficiaries of agri-fishery technology assistance and support.
There were 20 SUCs in the country which were able to avail of the DA-BAR ACEF grant and MOA signing on the said event; and out of 20 of these SUCs, four (4) of which have two (2) approved projects, including that of WMSU. The rest of the SUCs have one (1) approved project. For WMSU, two (2) projects were approved with P5M budget each, namely: 1) Upgrading of Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory at Western Mindanao State University, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City; and 2) Upgrading of ZamPen Native Chicken R&D Center at Western Mindanao State University, College of Agriculture (CA), San Ramon, Zamboanga City.
The partnership between WMSU and DA-BAR marks a significant stride in Western Mindanao’s agricultural sector. Both institutions are committed to uplift the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in the region. Through this collaborative effort, WMSU looks forward to pool its resources and expertise to make a more substantial contribution to agriculture and improving the livelihoods of the local farmers.
The approval of WMSU project proposals would not have been possible without the technical expertise of its project leaders and its team led by Ms. Arlyn O. Rebuza, Mr. Arveelyle T. Lagora, and Dr. Elderico P. Tabal, Dean of the College of Agriculture, and the administrative support from Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena (WMSU President), Dr. Joel G. Fernando (Vice President for Research, Extension Services and External Linkages), Dr. Berhana I. Flores (Chief of Staff), Dr. Reynante E. Autida (RDEC Director), and Engr. Swidin S. Husin (RDEC Associate Director).
