DA - Bureau of Agricultural Research

Here are additional information for the online 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗦: 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱 – 𝗔 𝗦𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀, that was held on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆).



The seminar is available for replay at: tinyurl.com/3hyth7x4

: To robustly address the compounding challenges of climate change and agricultural sustainability, research must seamlessly translate into actionable public policy. Recognizing this imperative, an intensive ten-day training program titled, Training on Applied Policy Analysis for Research for Development (R4D), was recently conducted. Co-organized by EcoSecurities, UPLBFI, and SEARCA, the capacity-building initiative specifically targeted the technical staff of the DA-BAR.

Read the latest issue of BAR Chronicle featuring the R4D activities, initiatives, and updates coordinated by the bureau and implemented by partner agencies.

The DA-Cagayan Valley’s Mang Bean Food Products are slated to scale its market in NCR and Central Luzon. Its product enhancement was funded by the High Value Crops Development Program through DA-BAR.

Mang Bean Food Products ng Cagayan Valley, malapit nang mabili sa NCR at Central Luzon Instant ‘Ginisang Munggo’ and Instant Mung Bean Noodles of Mang Bean Food Products (Image credit: Department of Agriculture - Regional Field...

Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, underscored how, as public servants, every decision made is a responsibility to the Filipino people and the future of the country. She emphasized that research efforts should not merely remain in reports, publications, or presentations but should be translated into programs, technologies, policies, enterprises and interventions that make a real difference in the lives of the food producers and the communities.

The DA-BAR officially welcomes Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon as the bureau’s new director.

Eid'l Adha Mubarak! Wishing a blessed, peaceful, and joyous, and bountiful celebration to all our Muslim brothers and sisters. May this sacred occasion inspire unity, compassion, and charity across our communities.

: To reinforce commitment to advancing research for development and extension coordination, DA-BAR and DA-ATI convened the 2nd Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network (AFRREDN) secretariat meeting from May 25 to 26, 2026, at the ATI Building in Diliman, Quezon City.

: 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗔𝗥 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺; 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

Known for leading the Southern Luzon State University transition into a full-fledged university and modernizing academic programs at the Bulacan State University across nearly two decades as a university president, Cecilia N. Gascon formally assumed DA-BAR leadership in a turnover ceremony today, May 25, 2026, in Diliman, Quezon City.

The ceremony marked the transition of leadership from OIC-Director Joell H. Lales, and was witnessed by DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Asis G. Perez, together with DA-BAR officials and staff.

In her inaugural address, Gascon underscored her commitment to public service and emphasized the bureau’s vital role in advancing agricultural research and development for the benefit of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities.

“Wherever I am called to work, one thing has always been clear to me: I am a steward of the government and steward of the people,” Gascon said. “As I assume this responsibility, I commit to give my best in the service of DA-BAR, our partner institutions, our farmers, our fisherfolk, and agricultural communities.”

Gascon also recognized the contributions of DA-BAR personnel in sustaining the bureau’s relevance and mandate through the years. She encouraged employees to continue contributing ideas, expertise, and commitment in pursuing responsive and impactful agricultural research initiatives.

“The true strength of an organization lies in the quality of its people,” she said, noting that every recommendation, partnership, project, and decision contributes to the direction of agricultural development in the country.

As part of her leadership direction, Gascon identified three priority research areas that she believes will help address emerging challenges in the agriculture sector and strengthen the country’s food systems.

First, she highlighted the need to strengthen the climate resiliency of agricultural systems to protect production, livelihoods, investments, and local economies.

“A resilient agricultural system protects production; it also protects livelihoods, investment, and local economies,” she said. “Every technology that reduces losses and helps producers recover faster also helps secure income for families and stability for markets.”

Second, Gascon emphasized the importance of advancing precision agriculture, smart farming, and digital agriculture technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in production systems.

She noted that these technologies can help optimize the use of water, fertilizer, and other agricultural inputs while enabling producers to “produce more with fewer resources.”

Third, she underscored the potential of biotechnology and advanced sciences in improving the quality, productivity, and resilience of crops, livestock, and fisheries.

Gascon stressed that DA-BAR’s research agenda must contribute to sustainable food security and inclusive economic growth by supporting initiatives that are relevant, responsive, and beneficial to the agricultural sector.

She concluded her message by calling for unity and cooperation among DA-BAR officials and employees in fulfilling the bureau’s mandate.

“Let us work together to achieve our goals, to fulfill our mandate, and to serve our people,” she said.

Gascon graduated with three degrees from the University of the Philippines Los Baños: Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Master in Environmental Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry; and an alumna of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture.

She also serves as the president of the Philippine Network of Educators on Environment, and a board member of Green Convergence.