Agriculture secretary launches first community-research congress for stakeholders.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala congratulated the participants of the first Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) National Congress yesterday, saying this paved the way for the future of agriculture in the Philippines.

In a speech addressed to an audience of stakeholders in the sector, the secretary said that community-based research is crucial in implementing the right technology for farmers. Doing this also effectively addresses the challenges the sector faces like lack of capital, global competition and the effects of climate change.

He also said that CPAR now acts as a research-cum-extension programme as scientists continue to enhance technology to improve the lives of farmers, fisher folk and their community and family. In this way, the farmers and fisher folk themselves become scientists in their own means as they implement the technology in the frontline.

The secretary also revealed that CPAR is currently handling 231 projects at 549 sites around the country. He added that 11,291 farmers and fisher folk have so far benefitted from CPAR.