PHILSCAT TECHNICAL COOPERATION II CULMINATING PROGRAM, TURNOVER CEREMONY HELD

(Above photo) - DA Director Villacorta hands to President Abella the ceremonial Key of Responsibility. The Philippine Sino Center for Agricultural Technology Technical Cooperation Program II (PhilSCAT TCP II) held its culminating program last July 31, after exactly 5 years and 10 months of operation. The program was keynoted by Dr. Andrew B. Villacorta, OIC Director of the Field Operation Service of the Department of Agriculture (DA), on behalf of DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol. Also gracing the program were officials from DA – Regional Office III, PhilRice, PhilMech, CLSU, Philippine Carabao Center, Agricultural Training Institute, and from cooperatives served by PhilSCAT. The occasion also marked the turn-over/institutionalization of the PhilSCAT from the Department of Agriculture to the Central Luzon State University. Dr. Tereso A. Abella, CLSU President, in his inspirational message, said “TCP II is culminating and we are faced with a new challenge and this is the implementation of the TCP Phase III. He also proudly mentioned that “CLSU has convinced the Department of Budget and Management to institutionalize most of the personnel at PhilSCAT who have been trained in the course of the implementation of the project”. For his part, Dr. Emmanuel V. Sicat, PhilSCAT director, said “the end of the TCP II marks the start of a new episode for the Center under the stewardship of CLSU”. He thanked the Filipino and Chinese experts who have contributed to the success of PhilSCAT in carrying out its mandate in promoting and commercializing mechanized hybrid rice production and processing system and developing more adaptable varieties of hybrid rice seeds in the Philippine market. The ceremonial turn-over involved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the DA and CLSU on the Sustainability of PhilSCAT which was done by Dr. Abella, for CLSU, and Dr. Villacorta, for DA; and the transfer of the Key of Responsibility to CLSU. It was followed by both officials expressing their covenant, on behalf of CLSU and DA, respectively, in supporting the activities and other endeavors of PhilSCAT to spur to the fullest its role as an institution that will work for the national government in terms of showcasing further Chinese advance technologies, strengthening the mechanized hybrid rice production of the country, as well as biogas technology. The TCP III, according to Director Sicat will be given a funding $10-M by the Chinese Government. Meanwhile, the highlights of accomplishments under PhilSCAT TCP II were presented via an exhibit and a video presentation. The presentation of PhilSCAT Sustainability Plan, on the other hand, was done by Dr. Carlos C. Abon, Jr., chief, Technology Product and Development Division. Dr. Arnel Ramir Apaga, PhilSCAT Asst. Director; delivered the closing remarks which in part mentioned the other important accomplishments of the Center.