Government research agencies in Northern Mindanao are intensifying efforts to integrate climate-focused studies and industry-driven innovations into a unified regional research agenda.
Mae Odimyrla A. Morales, senior science research specialist at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), said the region’s research portfolio is being refined to ensure it remains responsive to climate change, agricultural needs, and emerging industry demands.
Morales cited the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Research for Extension and Development Agenda (RAFRDEA) as the central framework for setting research priorities.
The agenda outlines challenges faced by various industries, identifies ongoing and proposed studies, and recommends corresponding policy interventions. These were formulated through consultations with the DA’s Agricultural Marketing Assistance Division, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council, and other sector representatives.
Morales also noted that the region has begun digitizing research outputs to make technologies more accessible to farmers, processors, and other users.
The initiative-supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology-seeks to consolidate technology portfolios from agencies such as the DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Science and Technology into a single regional database.
She said the initial phase of the digital platform will focus on technologies that have reached a high technology readiness level, meaning they have undergone adaptability trials and have proven viable under local conditions.
Maria Estela B. Detalla, director of the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, said they are developing a unified regional database that will enable member institutions to share research and development information-including personnel profiles, completed and ongoing projects, laboratory resources, and institutional initiatives-to speed up data access and improve inter-agency coordination.
To be known as the Centralized Research Information and Technology Management Portal, the facility will serve as Northern Mindanao’s consolidated digital repository of research outputs and technology portfolios.
Officials said that beyond digitization efforts, agencies continue to promote available technologies through farmers’ forums, technology exhibits and other outreach activities to ensure research outputs reach their intended beneficiaries