The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) vowed to continue working together to strengthen agricultural research in the Philippines and in the region.
The commitment was made following the Australian Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Richard Sisson’s visit to DOST-PCAARRD on July 30.
“DOST-PCAARRD and ACIAR will continue to work together and explore innovative ways to deliver agricultural research for development in the Philippines and in the region for more years to come,” the DOST-PCAARRD said in a statement
“These joint initiatives will support the Philippine government’s broader thrust in enhancing local scientific and technological leadership and expertise in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.”
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora welcomed Sisson, and other delegates from the embassy, including a representative from the ACIAR.
“We are always honored whenever the Embassy visits us because it shows how Australia values its partners; we, likewise, value such sentiment by continuously striving to conduct innovative research benefiting both countries,” he said in his welcome message.
Joining him in welcoming the Australian deputy ambassador were Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (R&D) Feliciano G. Calora, Jr., and Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD) Director Lilian G. Bondoc.
Ebora cited the “deep and long standing partnership” between Australia and the Philippines through ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD.
He said through the years, the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Australia has been grounded on shared interests and values and supported by strong people-to-people links.
A testament to that is the growing human resource of esteemed Filipino scholars and experts trained and honed in Australia through the ACIAR-PCAARRD partnership, he added.
He assured Sisson of the Council’s “active cooperation and commitment” to further solidify its ties with the ACIAR.
Sisson said he was impressed with the growing partnership between the ACIAR and PCAARRD, even as he expressed interest to know more about DOST Council as an institution.
He expressed his commitment to ensure the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Australia and the Philippines during his stint.