From left to right : RTDs from DA-lX, CARAGA, XII, X and ARMM

The Mindanao Zonal Research Development and Extension (RDE) Network with the leadership of Department of Agriculture X- Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-X-NOMIARC) as the Zonal Center for Mindanao  conducted the 4th Quarter Mindanao Zonal RDE Network Meeting at Isla Parilla Resort, Alabel, South Cotabato on January 20-22,2010 with DA-XII-CEMIARC as the host Center.

The zonal network serves as a tool to systematically develop and implement a unified RDE agenda and program under the principle of “one system one program” approach. The network promotes cooperation, sharing of resources in the management and implementation of various Reseach & Development  projects within the zonal coverage, provides technical assistance to various Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers (RIARCS) and Regional Fishery Research and Development Centers (RFRDCs) in terms of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of different RDE programs/ projects.

The zonal meeting aims to strengthen the linkages and collaboration among Mindanao RDE Zonal Network members, update the RDE members on the new programs/projects of Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), discuss R  & D  issues which needs immediate attention and  prioritization,  and recommends/suggests  R & D policies for adoption at the regional and national level.

The Zonal Meeting was attended by Regional Technical Directors Mustapha G. Ismael, Constancio G. Alama, Lester Haducana, Jalika Mangacop, Edgardo  Dahino (Presiding Officer), RIARC and RFRDC Center Managers, RIARC Asst. Center Managers, RIARC Planning Officers, Station Superintendents of Agriculture and Fishery Rsearch and Development Stations in six (6) regions in Mindanao (Region 9, 10, Xl,Xll, CARAGA and ARMM)

Also highlighted during the activity was a salute to the retiring Regional Technical Director  for Research and Development of DA-XII Mustapha G. Ismael  . and the retired Mr. Romeo Anay of DA-X-NOMIARC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City. Several Zonal Members gave their testimonies for the retirees. The retirees extended their gratitude  everyone for the recognition for  their exemplary performance  while they were in the government service.

The Mindanao wide zonal meeting was a  coupled with the selfless  and unending support of the Department of Agriculture-XII under the leadership of  Regional Executive Director Tommy A. Ala, RTD Mustapha G. Ismael, RTD Bai Dido S. Flordeliza, Finance Chief Osmena I. Montaner, Administrative Chief Guizadzuri D. Midtimbang, GMA Coordinators ( Zaldy  S. Boloron for Corn, Dr. John D. Pascual for Livestock, Reynaldo A. Lumaque for HVCC and Ray H. Embajador for Rice) with the active steering   of DA-XII-CEMIARC Center Manager Eduardo B. Solomon and full support of  his  staff.

The next zonal meeting will be conducted on June 2010, with the ARRMIARC as  host  center.

Participants listening to RTD Mustapha G. Ismael giving his message

Participants from Regions lX, X, Xl,Xll,CARAGA and ARMM

RFRDC Center Manager of Region .X rendering her report

Mushroom Farm of Mr. Solano Delima Katangawan, General Santos City

SACI Grow-out ponds Alabel, Sarangani

Dolls made from corn husk by-products Lagao, General Santos City

Retirees (from right) DA-XII-RTD MUSTAPHA G. ISMAEL and DA-X Mr. Romeo Anay were honored

The 4th Quarter Mindanao Zonal RDE Network Meeting venue ISLA PARILLA RESORT, Alabel, Sarangani