From the 15 research papers that vied for the best paper award during the 18th Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights held at the Tarlac College of Agriculture last August 16, 2007, the project ``Enhancing the Technical Capability of Agrarian Reform Community Beneficiaries on Postharvest Technology and Enterprise Development`` garnered the best paper award in the development category. Ms. Helen R. Calica, supervising science research specialist of the Training Division of BPRE, presented the winning paper.
The tie-up project between BPRE and Department of Agrarian Reform- Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (DAR-ARISP) employed two major strategies. These include the conduct of training course on grain postharvest technology and enterprise development and the monitoring, mentoring and coaching of trained cooperatives of the agrarian reform communities.
The researchers from BPRE which include Helen R. Calica, Eduardo T. Cayabyab, Arnel Ramir M. Apaga, Daisy S. Onoya, staff of the Postharvest Systems and Analysis Department of BPRE and DAR-ARISP conducted seven batches of the training course. A total of 201 participants from 32 cooperatives of the ARCs benefited from the training. The participants are mostly farmer-leaders, selected cooperative management staff and the DAR institutional development facilitators and coordinators. Meanwhile, BPRE and DAR-ARISP staff also conducted the monitoring, mentoring, and coaching of the cooperatives six months after the training.
During the conduct of the training, a pre-test and post-test was done to assess the knowledge gained by the participants. The average knowledge gained by the participants in the seven trainings conducted was 41 percent.
The BPRE and DAR staff also evaluated the status and progress of the business plans prepared by the trainees. They identified possible interventions to improve the performance of the business enterprise. Financial, organizational, technical and marketing aspects were the focus of the assessment.
The regional symposium which is under the auspices of the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLARRDEC) had for its theme, CLARRDEC: Providing Science Solutions for a Vibrant Agriculture and Sustainable Environment in Central Luzon. The annual event was graced by Dr. Conrado J. Oliveros, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology in Region III.
Declared winners received their plaques and cash awards. Meanwhile, CLARRDEC will endorse the papers of the winners at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) for screening and possible entry to the national competition.
CLARRDEC started in 1978 to provide a venue for planning, monitoring, evaluating and sharing of resources and program among the research and development (R&D) institutions in the region. It is composed of 25 agencies and institutions conducting R&D in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources.
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