Pasidungog 2023 Highlights WESVAARDEC's 35th Anniversary Celebration

By Ian C. Espada, SciCom Coordinator

The Pasidungog 2023 event marked a significant milestone in the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARDEC), which took place on May 31, 2023 at the Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City. 

A total of twenty Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) were honored during the ceremony for their exceptional contributions and unwavering support in strengthening the research and development programs focused on agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) in Western Visayas.

The awards were distributed across three categories based on the length of membership. Five CMIs received recognition in the 5-15 years category, three in the 20-30 years category, and twelve in the 35 years category.

In the 5-15 years category, the following CMIs were presented with plaques of recognition: Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) (6 years); STI West Negros University (13 years); Guimaras State University (14 years); Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (14 years); and University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (14 years).

The CMIs awarded in the 20-30 years category were the University of the Philippines Visayas (21 years); Bureau of Plant Industry-Guimaras (24 years); and Aklan State University (29 years).

The 35 years category recognized the enduring commitment of the following CMIs who have been members since 1988: Capiz State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Central Philippine State University, Central Philippine University, Department of Agriculture Western Visayas, Department of Science and Technology, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Northern Iloilo State University, West Visayas State University, and University of Antique.

The prestigious awards were presented by Dr. Mari-Ann Acedera of the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Chair of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC), and Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta, Consortium Director.

During the ceremony, it was announced that the 2024 Pasidungog would include additional awards and recognition categories, such as Most Active CMI, Oldest and Founding Member CMIs, New Members, and Best Paper, which acknowledges the CMI that consistently excels in research and achievements.

WESVAARDEC, founded on May 4, 1988, aims to establish a unified regional research and development management group that plans, integrates, reviews, and coordinates research programs among various member institutions and agencies. Currently, it operates under the auspices of the West Visayas State University, utilizing available resources to advance research and development (R&D) programs aligned with regional and national goals.

Pasidungog 2023 showcased the remarkable accomplishments of WESVAARDEC's CMIs and celebrated the consortium's 35th Anniversary. The event served as a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of member institutions in driving innovation and development in the field of AANR in Western Visayas.