Registration…at the conference....

A total of 300 participants from various agencies, institutions and organizations participated in the 40th scientific annual conference and anniversary of the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) held in Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City from march 15-10, 2010..

The delegates includes crop scientists, extension specialists, and professors from both the public and private sector all over the country came to present their latest research results, output, and products in 80 papers and 108 posters. The conference served as a forum not only for scientific discussion but also extension and socioeconomic issues. It was also a venue for good exchange of information.

Opening ceremony…

With this years theme, “Harnessing Genetic and Ecosystem Diversity for Sustainable Agriculture”,  the conference was graced by Nicomedes Eleazar, director of the DA's Bureau of Agricultural Research as keynote speaker; and Leocadio Sebastian (Bioversity International), Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton (IRRI), Rene Rafael C. Espino (HVCC), Engr. Ginalyn Fe C. Cachuela (SOCSARGEN), and Ms. Julieta L. Estacio (DOST) as plenary speakers.

Plenary Sessions…

This year’s theme is very relevant in overcoming the hurdles of coping with the global problem of food security and climate change.  The plenary speakers have given insights in coping up with the current situation of our country.  The available agrobiological/ genetic resources are available for our farmer’s use.  As discussed by Dr Sebastian and Hamilton.

According to Hamilton, “the crops encompasses a huge amount of biological diversity created by farmers and this diversity is the cornerstone of a sustainable progress in agriculture and this must be available for use.” In addition, Sebastian also challenge everyone to respond to the urgent need for a new green revolution. This new green revolution recognizes the value of genetic diversity, environmental sustainability, resource use efficiencies and more focus on people, communities and farmers.

Another areas were the delegates were able to explore is in the field of high value crops. Dr Espino have discussed Status of high value commercial crops in the Philippines by providing several examples and success stories where the farmers and even crop scientist could learn from.  He also gave some insights on the role and intervention of DA- HVCC  to different programs such as Production, Irrigation, market, Infrastructure, Postharvest, RDE support, special projects and regulatory.

“We shall promote the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment, and industry development” -  this is the mandate that our  DOST Biosafety Committee representative Julieta Fe Estacio have  elucidated in her talk. She has enlightened all the delegates in the governments’ effort to put all the details in place specially in handling the GM crops.  She has provided several information on the steps on how to go about the application of request for testing such crops, on the role of the requestors and the government by citing what have been done on the case of corn, rice and papaya.

CSSP delegates jammin’ with Pilipinas Got Talents’ Finalist

Scientific conference is not just all science and head knowledge.  After a long day of all listening and participating to several lectures and discussions, the CSSP delegates were privileged to be serenaded by the one of the finalist of Pilipinas Got Talent, the EZRA band.  It was the night where every young and even “mature” participants recognized the great talent of Davao-enios, which for most of us, even more inspired by their story.

Another highlight of the fellowship night is opportunity of the delegates to showcase their talents… majority of them, singing.  Each institutions have their own representatives and were able to entertain everyone.  There was also a chance for some of the participants to teach and learn the basics of dancing (pix).  The night was not complete without bringing something home, even for  a small tokens… thanks to the sponsors.

Posters, concurrent sessions

More than 300 participants from across the country participated in the concurrent sessions, poster presentations, best paper and poster competitions, and farmers’ forum.  For this year, a total of 80 papers and 108 posters from different disciplines were presented.

Awards night

40th year of existence, and 40th year of excellence… still moving forward…

A total of 45 new young blood were added to the pool of members of Crop Science Society of the Philippines.  They were inducted by Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino during the Awards night, March 2010 at the Grand regal Hotel, Davao, City.

The board of Directors of the Crop Science Society of the Philippines has elected its officers and directors for 2010-2011

Elected were the following: Jessica D. Rey (IRRI), president; Dr. Leoncia L. Tandang (BSU), vice-president; Mr. Ramon A. Oliveros, secretary;   Ms. Darlene L. Sanchez (IRRI),  treasurer; Dr. Sergio Francisco (PhilRice), auditor, Ms. Venus H. Elec (IRRI), PRO; and Gabriel R. Romero (PhilRice), Antonio A. Alfonso(PhilRice), Norvie L. Manigbas  (PhilRice), Democrito Rebong III (PhilRice), board members.  Dr. Emma K. Sales of USM is an ex-officio member.  They were inducted into office by Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino.

Conference tour… home sweet home

Partners  join in the CSSPs 40th Annual Conference and Anniversary (Exhibits & Sponsors)