Gerardo is new RRDCC Chair
by Ian C. Espada (SciComm Coordinator)
Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, President of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), was elected as the new Chair of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) of Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC).
In an election held during the Joint Executive Board and Regional Research Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) 2nd Quarter Meeting in Nothern Iloilo State Univerity (NISU) Estancia, Iloilo last June 23, 2023. Gerardo was unanimously voted by the members who represented various Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) in Western Visayas.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of research and development in driving progress and addressing complex challenges being faced by the region in the fields of agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resource. “Our foremost focus will be on bolstering research initiatives that contribute to the advancement of agriculture, the preservation of aquatic resources, and the sustainable management of natural resources,” he said.
Gerardo added through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches, he targets to generate innovative solutions, empower local communities, and promote environmental stewardship.
The new chair also laid down the five key areas to prioritize; to achieve WESVAARRDEC objectives such as enhancing research capacity, facilitating collaborative networks, promoting sustainable practices, empowering local communities and advocating policy changes.
In enhancing research capacity, he said that, “it can be achieved by providing support, resources, and training opportunities to strengthen the research capabilities of member institutions".
Gerardo, likewise, acknowledged collaboration as the cornerstone of effective research and development. “We will foster partnerships among our member institutions, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities to foster synergy and leverage collective expertise. Through these networks, we will encourage cross-pollination of ideas and facilitate the translation of research outcomes into practical applications,” he said.
The chair will also prioritize research endeavors aimed at developing and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, aquatic resource management, and natural resource conservation.
He said the efforts will focus on eco-friendly farming techniques, efficient resource utilization, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies.
Gerardo also believed research should be community-centric, empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in decision-making processes. “We will engage with local stakeholders, listen to their needs, and involve them in the research and development initiatives. By fostering inclusivity, we aspire to co-create sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by our region,” he said.
The chair said, the RRDCC will actively engage with policymakers to advocate for evidence-based policy reforms that support the growth of agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resource management.
“We will communicate research findings effectively and provide policymakers with actionable recommendations, enabling them to make informed decisions that benefit our communities," he added.
Gerardo expressed optimism through these strategic initiatives, the RRDCC can establish the region as a leading hub for research and development in agriculture, aquatic resources, and natural resource management.
He also invited the member institutions, researchers, industry partners, and community leaders to join hands with WESVAARRDEC to embark on this transformative journey.
“Together, we can unlock the immense potential of our region, create a sustainable future, and ensure the well-being of our communities for generations to come,” he said.
Gerardo is the successor of Dr. Raul F. Muyong, President of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) whose term as RRDCC chair will end on August 4, 2023.
Photo from left to right Mr. Jon Alfonso P. "Jono" Horvidalla of ERDB-CRERDEC (Reprsentative of Dr. Jose Isidro Michael T. Padin); Ms. Rheane E. Senangote of DA-BFAR 6 (Representative of Dir. Remia A. Aparri ) Dr. Ricky P. Becodo of WVSU (Representative of Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz); Center Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera Director, MRRD-PCAARRD; Dr. Raul F. Muyong of ISAT U & the Outgoing RRDCC Chair ; Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo of NISU & the New Elected RRDCC Chair and Dr. Anglie Rose L. Lumba of CPSU (Representative of Dr. Aladino C. Moraca) (Photo by NISU)
Other elected Executive Board Members were Dr. Aladino C. Moraca (Central Philippine State University), Vice Chairperson; Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz (West Visayas State University), Representative at Large/Treasurer; Ms. Mary Ann A. Ramos, (Agriculture Training Institute), Agriculture Representative; Dir. Remia A. Aparri (DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 6), Aquatic Representative; and Dr. Jose Isidro Michael T. Padin (Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau); Natural Resources Representative. Their term of office will start on August 1, 2023.
(Photo by NISU)
The gathering was graced by Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Marine Resources Research (MRRD) Division. She also administered the oath-taking of the newly-elected Executive Board Members.