By Kenneth Marcos 
Quezon City – In a step toward stronger agricultural and fisheries development, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are coordinating to unify the country’s research priorities.
The move follows the National Agri-Fishery Research for Development Summit (NAFRDS), which gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in Philippine agriculture and fisheries. Insights from the summit were presented by DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) OIC-Director Joell H. Lales during the first DA Management Committee (ManCom) Meeting for fiscal year 2026 on March 18–19 at the NFA Multipurpose Hall in Quezon City.
The agencies aim to align their Research for Development (R4D) programs to ensure that research projects directly respond to national needs, improve productivity, and support food security. By coordinating efforts, DA, DOST, and CHED hope to reduce duplication, optimize resources, and accelerate innovations that benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusiness stakeholders nationwide.
Director Lales emphasized that a unified research agenda is crucial for evidence-based policy-making and the effective implementation of development programs. “Our goal is to ensure that research outputs are not only academically relevant but also practical and accessible to those who depend on agriculture and fisheries for their livelihoods,” Lales said.
The initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies and higher education institutions. By linking research priorities with local needs, the project aims to develop technologies, tools, and knowledge that help farmers and fisherfolk adapt to climate change, increase production efficiency, and strengthen the country’s food security.
As the DA, DOST, and CHED work toward a coordinated R4D framework, stakeholders are encouraged to engage in dialogues, share experiences, and contribute insights to shape programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and innovative.
The unified agenda is expected to guide research investments and policy decisions over the next several years, supporting the Philippine government’s broader vision of a resilient and self-reliant agri-fishery sector.
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