INNOVATION RULES CLSU'S 31ST IN-HOUSE REVIEW OF R&D PROJECTS; SCIENCE FOR CHANGE PROGRAM FOCUS OF KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Around 80 percent of the 75 papers during the 31st In-house Review of Completed and Ongoing R&D Projects contain innovative ideas. The same was the impression of CLSU President Tereso A. Abella as he gave his welcome message saying that “many CLSU researchers have already veered towards undertaking innovative, high-end type of research”. Examples are studies that deal with molecular analysis, remote sensing, mutation, nanotechnology, product development and commercialization. The two-day annual activity, held on August 8-9, 2019 at the RET Amphitheater, was inspired by the theme “Advancing R&D Innovations in Science and Technology Towards Competitiveness”. The theme was adequately related by the keynote speaker, DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat. Status of Science and Technology Innovation Dr. JCV Sicat mentioned that the advancement of science and technology innovation in the Philippines has been limited due to many factors such as low proportion of researchers, scientists and engineers per million population, low R&D expenditure, and low level of public awareness of science. He said: “Sadly, these findings 20 years ago are still reflections of our current state.”                 Because of that, he urged the CLSU executives and R&D administrators to actively take their parts by offering more science-based courses, by obtaining more R&D funds from external funding agencies and by sending more students to S&T exhibitions and symposia.                 He further said: “UNESCO recommends that for a country to be industrialized, it should have 380 researchers, scientists and engineers (RSE) per million population doing R&D, and 1% of GDP should be invested on R&D.”                 He also challenged the CLSU administration to speed-up its pace towards advancing science and technology development.                 The challenge was immediately accepted by President Abella for discussion among R&D leaders of the University.                 Along this line, the RET management is purposively publishing the full-text of Dr. Sicat’s keynote address titled “Science for Change Program”, for wider dissemination of its contents. Researchers are encouraged to read it, for reference in packaging research and development proposals. Results of the Project Review                 Through the help of 26 evaluators from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFFTC), Department of Science and Techonology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), PhilMech, and CLSU, 75 completed and ongoing R&D projects and 36 R&D posters were reviewed and evaluated. With notable accomplishments, 24 completed projects vied for best R&D papers and best R&D posters. A good number of winning papers and posters in the CLSU in-house review also grabbed major awards in the 30th CLAARRDEC Regional Symposium held at Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) last September 27.                 These are the follows:                 1st place Best Paper (Research category) “Utilization of Modified Drip Irrigation for Production of High Quality Onion and Garlic” with as cash prize of Php 15,000 and a plaque;                 3rd place Best Paper (Development Category) “AgriSikat! Sa Agrikultura, Sikat ka! A Career Advocacy and Family Engagement on Agriculture and Fisheries” with a cash prize of Php 5,000 and a certificate;                 1st place Best Poster “Advancing Farmers’ Ingenuity Through Magsasakang Mekaniko Program in the Advent of Farm Mechanization” with a cash prize of Php 5,000;                 2nd place Best Poster “PHILSCAT’s New Hybrid Rice Variety for Irrigated Lowloand Ecosystem” with a cash prize of Php 3,500 and a certificate; and                 3rd place Best Poster “Technology Demonstration of PhilSCAT Hybrid Rice” with a prices of Php 2,000 and a certificate. Way Forward                 Research Office Director Dr. Maria Excelsis M. Orden synthesized and presented the significant findings that could serve as inputs for future research, development and extension projects.                 Also, Vice President for Research, Extension and Training Dr. Fe L. Porciuncula, highlighted the significat accomplishments of the RET centers/offices in 2018, and presented what should be done in 2020.