Forum 1: Women Entrepreneurship Summit 2010

In five days last week, this blogger was able to participate actively in four important fora, two of which were part of his pre-retirement impact-mitigating activity as proposed by PH Mech (formerly BPRE) human resource development program. These were the Women Entrepreneurship Summit held last March 8, 2010 at World Trade Center, Manila as coordinated by Mrs. Miriam Acda in support of Women's Month Celebration led by NCRFW (National Commission on Role of Filipino Women), and the PMCP Pest Management Scientific Conference on March 9-12, 2010 held in Waterfront Hotel, Davao City.

No less than President Gloria M. Arroyo graced the occassion, where she once more underscored the role of women in nation-building. The Summit highlighted, among others, a Trade Fair and the Awarding of 10 Best Women Entrepreneurs. Entertaining song numbers were provided by popular celebrities like Ms. Pilita Corrales and Pops Fernandez, among many others. (JSF Blogs)

PhilRice's Best Papers for 2010 National Rice R&D Conference

1. PSB Rc82-Sub1 : A new submergence-tolerant rice cultivar developed through marker-assisted breeding
Loida Perez, Joanne M. Domingo, Haizel Pastor, Henry Ticman, Jocelyn Bagarra, Marites Camus, Roberto Baybado, Nenita Desamero, Darlene Sanchez, Alvaro Pamplona, Endang Septiningsih and David Mackill

2. Enhancing Knowledge Networking Through Short Messaging Service: The Farmers’ Text Center Experience
Stoix Nebin S. Pascua, Ronan G. Zagado, Olive Rose M. Asis, Oliver C. Domingo and Jennylene S. Maloles

These are the two Best Papers that won during the 23rd National Rice Research and Development Conference, organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) on March 3 – 5, 2010, at DL Umali Hall, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Laguna. The first one, which is a joint endeavour of PhilRice and IRRI researchers as presented by Loida Perez, represented Research Category, while the second as presented by Stoix Nebin S. Pascua, represented Techno-Promo Category. Both papers were selected from 3 finalist-papers from each of the 2 categories, based on the following criteria: Timeliness – identifies and focuses on issues besetting the current rice industry (10%); Significance of Findings with emphasis on contribution to S&T advancement, economic and/or social impact (25%); Creativity and originality (15%); Methodology/approach (15%); Well-organized presentation of ideas, including clarity and organization (15%), and Presentation and ability to handle Question-and-Answer (20%).

Other non-competing but definitely good papers on rice and rice-related technologies, were presented either in the Plenary and Concurrent sessions.

PhilRice national Rice R&D conference is an annual forum to present and review the accomplishments of this rice agency, which conduct projects in multi-location involving DA stations, SCU’s, NGO’s, LGU’s, farmers’ groups, and national/international agencies. It also provides a venue to acquire and exchange knowledge and experiences on rice R&D to address current issues and emerging problems besetting rice industry, through paper and poster presentations, and field tour. (JSF blogs, watch for the next story on Best Poster contest)

P.S. Complete paper/s may be obtained from any PhilRice office nearest you. (JSF)

PhilRice's 23rd National Rice R & D Conference

Rice, our staple food, remains to be the most popular researchable agri-commodity. This was once more proven in the recently concluded 23rd National Rice Research and Development Conference held at Umali Hall, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which was very well-attended by researchers and agri-development workers from all over the country.

Our organization (with new name), the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PH Mech) (formerly the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension) is well-represented through the participation of 3 directors, a division chief and a senior researcher, namely Dr. J. Falla, Dr. M. Bulaong, Dir. R. Paz, Dr. N. Pasalo and Ms. A. Rodriguez-Salvador, respectively. Dr. Falla has a special participation as one of the judges in the Search for Best Paper (Techno-Promo Category) along with DA U/Secretary Edmund Sana and Dr. Rose Honrade of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).

This is the first time that the organizer, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) hold this Conference outside their Central Experiment Station in Maligaya, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, with a very timely theme of Addressing Climate Change thru Rice Science. This year's keynote speaker was Atty. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, the Commissioner of the newly constituted Climate Change Commission, and a staunch advocate of environmental protection. IRRI's Director-General Robert S. Zeigler welcome the participants in his remarks where he pinned-down the importance of environment-rice production relationship. The Conference was formally open by PhilRice Executive Director Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio, where he briefly trace the history of rice research, and provide the participants of what they are going to expect in the entire conference like rice technology that would mitigate and adapt to the climate change such as drought and flooding.

The Conference closes through a simple ceremonies composed of awarding of winners for Best Papers and Posters, a synthesis by Deputy Director Dr. Eulito Bautista, and a remarks and vote of thanks by Exec. Director Atty. Beronio. (30)

20 HI Alumni @ Chowking-Talavera for Dinner Fellowship

28 Feb. 2010, Talavera, Nueva Ecija - Twenty alumni of Haggai Institute (HI) gathered together at Chowking Fastfood shop today for a dinner fellowship and organizational development brainstorming. It was facilitated by Ms. Clarafe of Wesleyan University, who updated the attendees of some issues confronting the HI chapter in Nueva Ecija. At least three coordinators were selected to facilitate the next meeting where election of officers will be conducted.

Haggai Institute is a transdenominational global ministry aimed at evangelizing the world with focus on the least evangelized regions where Christianity is yet a minority. It has an international training center in Maui, Hawaii and Singapore. (30)

Modest Recognition for Thesis Critics

For having unselfishly devoted his time and for sharing his expertise during the seminar-workshop on "Getting Your Thesis Published" (as indicated in the texts), this blogger (Dr. Josue S. Falla) was awarded a plaque of appreciation (with modest honorarium) from the College of Arts and Sciences, Central Luzon State University, during the closing ceremonies (yesterday February 27) of the Saturday-seminar series organized by the College. It was signed by College Research Coordinator Dr. Rosalie Rafael and Dean of CAS Dr. Renato Reyes.

Dr. Falla, a training and extension director of the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, also made himself available for research/evaluation and related services especially among research organizations within DA and academic institutions. He once upon a time taught Scientific Writing at the College of Agriculture, Lyceum-Northwestern (Dagupan City) where he critiqued and advised over 60 undergraduated thesis. He once served as External evaluator of a Ph.D dissertation at the Indian School of Mines in Dhanbad, India. He wrote (authored/co-authored) over 45 scientific and popular papers, 25 of which were published.

Currently, Dr. Falla teaches (by arrangement) English communication at a Bible college named International Christian College of Manila in Antipolo City. He will retire soon from the government service under EO 366 Rationalization Program, but resolved to be still available for service in the industry. (30)