Faculty, experts from the different SUCs and national agencies gather to discuss sustainability measures for the agriculture, fisheries, and food systems
The 2nd National Sustainability Summits for Agri-Fisheries and Food Systems gathered faculty and experts from the different State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and regional and national agencies on July 4 to 6, 2023, via a hybrid format (at the Ocean Heaven Resort in Camotes Island, San Francisco, Cebu and via Zoom platform) to impart sustainability knowledge and practices in agriculture, fisheries, and food systems.
The summit inaugurated a trilogy of conferences under the theme “Sustainability for the Future” and attracted researchers and participants from the Visayas, Central Luzon, Bicol, and Western Mindanao regions. The summit aims to lay a foundation for an ever-evolving tapestry of initiatives to shape a sustainable future for these vital sectors in the Philippines by weaving together the strands of knowledge and connecting stakeholders from diverse fields.
The summit was honored by the presence of Hon. Alfredo Arquillano, Jr., Municipal Mayor of San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu, who warmly welcomed the participants to the picturesque island, just an hour and a half boat ride from the main island of Cebu. It featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, including Dr. Roel R. Suralta, Scientist III from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), who delivered an insightful onsite keynote speech on Sustainable Farming Systems. Additionally, the summit hosted four esteemed online keynote speakers: Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and President of the Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc. (PHILARM); Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Scientist IV and Program Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Biotechnology Program Office, and OIC Deputy Executive Director of the DA Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC); Dr. Allan L. Poquita, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office VII; and Dr. Caro B. Salces, OIC-Executive Director of the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Genepool. These esteemed speakers provided valuable insights and perspectives on scaling science, applications of biotechnology, and updates and opportunities in the Philippine Carabao Industry, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices in agri-fisheries and food systems.
The event was led by Cebu Technological University (CTU) under the leadership of Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, CTU futures thinking focal person, in collaboration with the DOST Regional Office VII, DOST Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. (DOST-OYSI), DOST National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST), Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program, DA-PCC, PHILARM, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), BFAR Regional Office VII, AltPayNet Corp, and the KaLambuan 7 (Kaugmaon sa Lambuang Siyete), the regional consortium of State Universities and Colleges of Central Visayas for futures thinking comprised of the CTU, Cebu Normal University (CNU), Negors Oriental State University (NORSU), Siquijor State College (SSC), and Bohol Island State University (BISU).