The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) has named its center for agricultural research and innovation after Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

Dar, himself, led the inauguration of the Dr. William D. Dar Research Innovation Center.

The center, which is funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, strives to boost agriprenuers' productivity and income by promoting R&D-generated innovations and developing innovative products and services in the field of agricultural sciences.

Dar expressed his gratitude to ISPSC for naming the facility after him and highlighted the importance of research innovation in reaching high productivity, raising incomes, and ensuring food security in the country.

“Thank you ISPSC for naming this center in my honor I want to be a part of the growth and development of ISPSC so that in due time ‘yung mission and vision nila ay magagampanan nila and part of that is their engagement in research and innovation (I want to be part of the growth and development of ISPSC so they can perform their mission and vision and part in research and innovation),” he said.

“Dito sa ating bansa, kakaunti sa atin ang nakakaintindi ng importansiya ng pananaliksik. Take the case of rice research. It took 40 years before we can arrive at four metric tons per hectare na ani So kung walang research yan, hindi tataas ang ani natin sa palay (Here in our country, only a few people understand the importance of research. Take the case of rice research, it took 40 years before we can arrive at four metric tons per hectare of harvest. Without research, there will be no improvement in our rice harvest),” he added.

Aside from Dar, ISPSC President Gilbert Arce, DA Region 1 Regional Executive Director Nestor Domenden, DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 1 Director Segudina Gaerlan, and other ISPSC officials were also present during the launch.