The paper of Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA-RFO 02) was awarded second best during the recent National Symposium on Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Entitled Technology Demonstration and Promotion of Mechanized Rice Farming in the Lowland Irrigated Areas in Region 02, the research paper garnered the nod of the agency and received a Plaque of Recognition and cash award of P125,000.00.
It was authored by Engr. Generoso M. Oli, Chief, Operations Division, DA-RFO 02, Engr. Eva Eslava, Engr. Eddie Rodriguez, Mr. Quirino Asuncion, Engr. Fidelino Cabantac, Ms. Arlyn Beltran, Ms. Czarina Pini, Mr. Lloyd Cantor, Ms. Elme Malamnao and Mr. Ferdinand Serquina.
The award was personally handed by DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña and received by Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory Rose Mary Aquino, R&D Chief Lovelyn Gaspar and team members.
According to Engr. Oli, mechanizing farm operations is the best way to solve the lack of skilled farm workers during the peak of transplanting and harvesting season.
“In Region 2, mechanized rice farming resulted in lower production cost due to savings in labor according to the study,” he said.
Top officials of DA-RFO 02 led by Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo are happy to know of the award.
“Congratulations and may we continue to exert more effort in the conduct of worthy research and development initiatives that will benefit clients in the ground,” Edillo equipped.