CBSUA, DAR CAMSUR II EXPLORE COLLABORATION TO BENEFIT AGRARIAN REFORM COMMUNITIES

The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Camarines Sur II held a consultation meeting on February 5, 2025, at the CBSUA Farmer’s Training Hall to discuss a potential collaboration aimed at supporting agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the province.

Both DAR and CBSUA recognize the value of a partnership focused on disseminating and implementing science and research-based extension programs, projects, and activities. The shared goal is to empower ARCs, build resilient and sustainable communities, and achieve this through innovative extension approaches, strategies, and methods.

The meeting explored the specifics of the proposed partnership, which aims to benefit not only the farming community but also CBSUA students, researchers, and faculty members. Dr. Vladimir R. Foronda, Director of the Extension Services Division (ESD), emphasized the alignment of the collaboration with the university’s mission of leading innovations and building resilient and sustainable communities.

“We need that principle of treating our communities as partners,” he stated. “And we want our students to be well-rounded and understand the needs of our communities – thus, this partnership would hopefully serve as a community learning laboratory for both students and teachers of our university.”

Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation, expressed strong support for the initiative. “This partnership is very promising,” she stated. “Our expertise in research and extension services will address the needs of our service communities, which include ARCs, a key target group for state colleges and universities (SUCs).”

Meanwhile, Engr. Rodel C. Martirez, OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration. He noted that it would provide capacity development and technology transfer training to both agrarian reform beneficiaries, and DAR development facilitators.

Present in the event were DAR CS II Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) – Engr. Aiza B. Mendez, SARPO Jessa Enciso, SARPO Julie Ann Barcelon, and ARPO I Anacita Barcelon. CBSUA Director of Technology Commercialization and Promotion Division (TCPD) – Dr. Jayson M. Dañas, and other ESD personnel also attended the consultation meeting.

A follow-up writeshop and finalization of the project proposal and memorandum of agreement between CBSUA and DAR Camarines Sur II are scheduled for February 26, 2025.