2012 ISSAAS Congress underlines role of agriculture in achieving MDGs

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Over 300 local and foreign participants convened here for the 2012 ISSAAS International Symposium and Congress held November 13 to 16. The event aimed to promote greater awareness on the role of agriculture in reducing poverty toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Bicol University Research and Development Center (BURDC) hosted the said meeting together with the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) and the Society of Agricultural Education-Research Development Abroad (SAEDA).

The three-day congress tackled agriculture-related programs and projects implemented in support of the MDGs.

Part of the sessions is the presentations of foreign experts and scientists from Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Iran and Australia on the agriculture-related projects and studies conducted in their respective communities.

Among the presentations are the development of a bio-based economy in Thailand, revitalization and development of hill farming in Japan and agricultural research and development in Malaysia.

Dr. Justino Arboleda, former dean of the BU College of Agriculture, also shared the success of the academe-based research and extension service for Filipino farmers on the various use of waste coconut husk.

Arboleda, also an agricultural engineering graduate from the Tokyo University, started his own coconut husk processing company which served as alternative source of livelihood for coconut farmers.

Likewise presented are the outcomes of the workshop sessions on food security and poverty reduction, climate risk management and sustainable agriculture, enhancing agribusiness enterprises, strategic partnership in agricultural development, support services for a productive agriculture and R&D governance system in agriculture.

Also featured on the last day through a field trip in the province of Albay are the local tourist spots and agricultural sites that showcase the community’s efforts toward the achievement of the MDGs. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)


Albay launches 2013 Search for Barangay Kasangga sa Edukasyon

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov 20 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Albay launched the 2013 Search for Barangay Kasangga sa Edukasyon (Bakas) on November 14 at the People’s Hall Albay Capitol here.

The search aims to recognize barangays in the province of Albay for their educational initiatives, contributions to the school and community, and attainment of zero illiteracy.

Nomination is set on November 16 until December 13, 2012 under three categories - barangays with elementary and secondary schools, barangays with elementary schools only and barangays without schools.

The Provincial Education Department (PED) of the province will be choosing the Top 50 entries from the initial screening.

Nominees must submit accomplished entry form with complete documents such as a copy of the barangay legislation on the creation of Bakas as sub-committee within the education committee of the barangay council and the list of education initiatives implemented by the barangay.

Deadline of entries is on or before December 15.

The first level screening is set Dec 19 -21 during the Karangahan sa Albay 2012. Review of documents, visit on sites and informal interview with stakeholders will be conducted.

Set on February 11-15 is the 2nd and final screening in which oral presentation will be done by the barangay chairman at the Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS).

One winner will be chosen per category.

Cash incentive for the winner is P100, 000.00.

The said launching and orientation was also attended by BUGS dean Dr. Norma Licup, sanggunian bayan on education chairman and provincial board member Arnold Embestro, Association of Barangay Chairman (ABC) president Joseph Philip Lee.

Bakas is part of the Gawad Albay sa Edukasyon award system of the Albay provincial government. The award is given to recognize barangays with exemplary projects in education. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)