DEBESMSCAT joins Bicol RRDIC 3rd Quarter Meeting, backs data-driven RDI and agri-tech push

The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) Research, Development and Innovation Office joined the Bicol Regional Development Council–Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RDC–RRDIC) 3rd Quarter Regular Meeting on 20 August 2025.

The agenda covered the finalized form for the Inventory of Technologies Generated, the creation of a Technical Working Group for the RRDIC Operations Manual, the Bicol RDP 2025–2028 results matrix on RDI, the BiCORSE strategy map for startups, updates on the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program, and progress under Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI).

The Committee endorsed substantially revised instruments for the Bicol RDI Compendium and Technology Inventory. The forms now capture project duration (in months), funding source and requirement (in thousand pesos), and status (pipeline, ongoing, completed, or cancelled). Additional fields on intellectual property management—IP registration numbers, technology valuation, and commercialization platforms were introduced, along with a column on Technology Adopters to track diffusion and impact. Inputs on the drafts were gathered by 13 June 2025, with an operations manual set for drafting in the fourth quarter ahead of a 2026 launch.

To streamline coordination and avoid duplication, the RRDIC adopted a revised clearinghouse process flow that consolidates, validates, and tracks R&D initiatives across the region, setting submission timelines, especially for SUCs and consortia, two weeks before each RRDIC meeting.

The body also advanced agriculture innovation through Project SARAI. Members approved RRDIC Resolution No. 2025-03 designating the Committee as the lead technical advisory group, and Resolution No. 2025-04 endorsing the initiative to the RDC for broader support. GRIND updates reported 65 mapped grassroots innovations across Bicol’s six provinces, with regional evaluation by the Grassroots Innovation Technology Evaluation Committee slated earlier this year and coordination with DILG and PIA ongoing to align with local plans.

DEBESMSCAT was represented by Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr., Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, Innovation, Creative Works, and Knowledge Management, and Dr. Alvin M. Mahawan, Director of Research and Development Services.