1st International Stakeholders’ Forum on Banana and Cacao Diseases Management (BaCaDM)
October 8, 2024
Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippines and Tamagawa University (TU) of Japan, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), spearheaded the 1st International Stakeholders' Forum on Banana and Cacao Diseases Management (BaCaDM) on September 27, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) in Malate, Manila.
The event, organized under the BaCaDM project or the Banana-Cacao Development Diseases Management brought together international and local experts, researchers, banana and cacao growers, importers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders. Discussions centered on addressing challenges in banana and cacao production, particularly in sustainable disease management, and disseminating research findings to enhance crop health and productivity.
The forum CLSU President Dr. Evaristo Abella, BaCaDM Project Director, underscored the crucial roles of stakeholders in the success of the JICA-funded project. He reiterated CLSU’s commitment to agricultural research and innovation, noting that the forum serves as a platform to share best practices and cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of farmers and the agriculture sector.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Fazil Dusunceli from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who emphasized the importance of preparedness and management in addressing transboundary pests and diseases. DA-BPI Director Dr. Glenn Gerard Panganiban, speaking on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., highlighted the forum’s significance in strengthening the agriculture sector, improving production, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
Also present were Prof. Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, Principal Investigator of the BaCaDM project, who presented and intoriduce the on-going BaCaDM Project, and Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, Director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), who discussed the current state of banana and cacao research in the Philippines.
This forum marked a milestone in CLSU's ongoing collaboration with international partners, reinforcing the university’s dedication to addressing critical agricultural challenges through research, innovation, and global partnerships.
The BaCaDM project is part of the ongoing Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development" (SATREPS) program, which is a science and technology diplomacy initiative that promotes international joint research using advanced science and technology from Japan in combination with Official Development Assistance (ODA). The SATREPS program is a collaboration between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Tamagawa University and Central Luzon State University are partners in implementing this Project.
The event, organized under the BaCaDM project or the Banana-Cacao Development Diseases Management brought together international and local experts, researchers, banana and cacao growers, importers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders. Discussions centered on addressing challenges in banana and cacao production, particularly in sustainable disease management, and disseminating research findings to enhance crop health and productivity.
The forum CLSU President Dr. Evaristo Abella, BaCaDM Project Director, underscored the crucial roles of stakeholders in the success of the JICA-funded project. He reiterated CLSU’s commitment to agricultural research and innovation, noting that the forum serves as a platform to share best practices and cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of farmers and the agriculture sector.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Fazil Dusunceli from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who emphasized the importance of preparedness and management in addressing transboundary pests and diseases. DA-BPI Director Dr. Glenn Gerard Panganiban, speaking on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., highlighted the forum’s significance in strengthening the agriculture sector, improving production, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
Also present were Prof. Dr. Kyoko Watanabe, Principal Investigator of the BaCaDM project, who presented and intoriduce the on-going BaCaDM Project, and Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, Director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), who discussed the current state of banana and cacao research in the Philippines.
This forum marked a milestone in CLSU's ongoing collaboration with international partners, reinforcing the university’s dedication to addressing critical agricultural challenges through research, innovation, and global partnerships.
The BaCaDM project is part of the ongoing Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development" (SATREPS) program, which is a science and technology diplomacy initiative that promotes international joint research using advanced science and technology from Japan in combination with Official Development Assistance (ODA). The SATREPS program is a collaboration between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Tamagawa University and Central Luzon State University are partners in implementing this Project.
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