By Kenneth Marcos 
As the delegates prepared to leave the convention hall, many carried with them a renewed sense of purpose—one shaped by the challenges facing farmers and fishers across the country. For most, the gathering served not only as a meeting of experts but as a reminder that millions of Filipino families rely on the progress of agricultural research and extension.
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Remelyn R. Recoter closed the 2025 National AFRREDN Convention with a message of gratitude and determination. She thanked member-institutions, partner agencies, and development stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening agriculture and fisheries research for development and extension, commonly known as R4DE.
Recoter highlighted the vital role of the Agriculture and Fisheries Research for Development and Extension Network (AFRREDN). She described it as a unified platform that connects research, field extension, and innovation—three areas that must work closely together to address the realities of food production, climate change, and rural livelihood.
She noted that while the country has made progress in modernizing agriculture, much work remains. Many farmers still struggle with outdated practices, limited access to information, and the growing effects of extreme weather. Recoter stressed that bridging these gaps requires strong collaboration among government agencies, state universities and colleges, research institutions, and local communities.
Throughout the convention, delegates discussed strategies to improve technology transfer, support young researchers, strengthen digital extension tools, and design programs that respond to the needs of small farmers and fisherfolk. Recoter urged the network to keep these efforts aligned with the national goal of building a resilient and competitive agriculture sector.
She also emphasized the need for research outputs to reach the grassroots level, saying innovations must be practical, affordable, and relevant to local conditions. Effective extension work, she added, is key to ensuring that scientific advancements translate into better yields, higher incomes, and improved quality of life for rural families.
Participants agreed that research for development remains central to achieving food security. With local production threatened by rising costs, pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather, they said the country must continue investing in science-based solutions and farmer education.
In closing, Recoter encouraged AFRREDN members to sustain their momentum and deepen their commitment to the collective vision of strengthening agriculture and fisheries. She said that by working together, the network can help build a future where farmers and fishers are empowered and the nation’s food systems are more stable.
The convention ended with a call for unity, innovation, and long-term planning—values that leaders hope will guide the country’s efforts to secure a stronger food future for all Filipinos.
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