Twenty studies, consisting of 11 papers for the research category and 9 for the development category, competed during the symposium.

Evaluating the entries were PCARRD’s Dr. Arturo S. Arganosa of the Technology Outreach and Promotion Division and Dr. Johnny Batalon of the Crops Research Division. Completing the panel were Dr. Hermana K. Banciles of the Quirino State College, and Mr. Ryanwil Baldovino and Ms. Maureen Bonna Ines of the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Winners all

Winning the top honor in the research category was the paper titled: “Diversity studies and utilization of indigeneous vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isolated from citrus plantations” by Jonar I. Yago, et.al of the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU). The paper dwelled on the diversity indexing of the identified fungi and the mass propagation of such for dissemination to citrus plantations.

The second placer was the paper from Cagayan State University by Junel Guzman titled: “A GIS-based decision support system for solid waste recovery and utilization in Tuguegarao City”. This paper focused on the creation of a model for a solid waste recovery system for local government units.

Coming in third was DA-Regional Filed Unit (RFU)  2’s “Fertility mapping, profiling, and database building of corn clusters in Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino” by Generoso M. Oli, et.al.

In the Development category, the paper on “Science and Technology Based Farm on Peanut in Region 2” by Rose Mary Aquino, et.al of DA-RFU 2 was adjudged as the best. The paper underscores the benefits and income of following the recommended package of technologies in peanut production as showcased in the Magsasaka Siyentista farms under PCARRD’s Techno Gabay Program.

Placing second was the paper on “Rural enterprise development through innovative goat production systems” by Jonathan N. Nayga et.al of the Isabela State University.

Finally, the third place was the paper titled “Achieving institutional development through seed production and processing” by Agustin B. Lunag of NVSU.

Incidentally, CVARRD’s Symposium on RDE Highlights not only recognizes outstanding research and development (R&D) works but also honors the  men and women behind these notable endeavors.

Moreover, the symposium also serves as a venue for healthy discussions and assessments in bringing about quality R&D in Region 2. More importantly, it is a testimony of the growing R&D culture in the valley.