Officials from the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) met with representatives from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on October 21, 2024, to discuss potential funding opportunities and present the university’s proposal for a new capability-building initiative.
The meeting, which took place at CBSUA Boardroom, was attended by key CBSUA officials led by the President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, and DBP Senior Assistant Vice President Rallen O. Verdadero together with Asst. Vice-President Rowena Comprado-Aquino.
Dr. Vladimir Foronda, Director of Extension Services Division, led the presentation on the Sustainable Rural Development for Agriculture and Fisheries (SRD4AF) program, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing local agriculture and fisheries through training, technology, and research support. Dr. Foronda outlined the program’s goals and its alignment with CBSUA’s commitment to sustainable rural development.
In addition to the program overview, SAVP Verdadero, a key figure in DBP’s Development and Resilient Sector, provided information on the proposal’s structure and the necessary components that must be included in the funding request, as well as the specifics of the financial report that would accompany the proposal. She emphasized transparency and clear budgeting to ensure the proposal’s alignment with DBP’s funding criteria.
The meeting served as a crucial step in building a partnership between CBSUA and DBP, aimed at securing financial support for the SRD4AF program. Both parties expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, which could significantly enhance CBSUA’s capability-building efforts in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
This collaboration underscores CBSUA’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable development in Bicol, focusing on capacity-building initiatives that support local communities and industries. With the DBP’s support, CBSUA hopes to take a major step forward in its mission to empower rural farmers and fishermen through education, research, and technology transfer.
The final proposal, incorporating feedback from DBP, is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks, with the university anticipating a positive response to help bring the SRD4AF program to life.
