NAST conducts Roundtable Discussion on Agricultural Extension, e-Information, Communication and Statistics

The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines, the highest advisory body on issues concerning science and technology, conducted a roundtable discussion (RTD) focusing on agricultural extension on 03 May 2011 at the Traders Hotel, Pasay City.

            Asterio Saliot, Director of the Agricultural Training Institute talked on the current status and challenges of agricultural extension in the Philippines. Dr. Agnes Rola, Dean of the College of Public Affairs (CPAF), University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB), discussed the role of universities and colleges in making the agricultural extension system more effective and efficient. Dr. Patricio Faylon, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shared the experience of his agency in the delivery of technology to the people through their Techno Gabay program. Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, General Manager of the East-West Seed Company, shared success stories of private sector-led extension service. Dr. Segfredo Serrano, Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), gave some updates on the initiatives of the government in e-information, communication and statistics in relation to agricultural extension development. Dr. Virginia Cardenas, Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs, UPLB, talked about professionalizing the extension service in the country.

            Each topic after the presentation was followed by a discussion led by the personalities assigned to each topic in the persons of: Ms. Jesusa Noveda, President, Municipal Agriculture Office Association of the Philippines; Ms. Norma Lagmay, Provincial Agriculture Office, Ilocos Norte; Dr. Eliseo Ponce, Technical Adviser, Agricultural Training institute; Dr. Eduardo C. Sison, Chairman, MADECOR; Atty. Ronilo Beronio, Technical Assistant to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture; Dr. Zosimo . Battad, Chancellor, University of the East, Caloocan, followed by synthesis given by Dr. Marlowe Aquino, Visiting Social Scientist, Philippine Carabao Center.

            Participants from DA field offices, private corporations, non-government organizations, academe, and other key stakeholders were invited.

            This RTD is part of the series of activities leading to the conduct of the 33^rd Annual Scientific Meeting on July 2011 spearheaded by the NAST Agricultural Science Division (ASD). Estrella Z. Gallardo