The Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) Bicol (Canarium ovatum) Chapter, in partnership with the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) spearheaded the 2^nd Bicol Regional PAA Conference on December 14-15, 2021.

In coordination with Bicol University (BU) through the Extension Management Division (EMD), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) V, the conference held the theme, “Building Resilient Agriculture as a Frontline Industry Amidst the Challenges of the Time,” which was attended by hundreds of agriculturists.

Dr. Louie A. Divinagracia, the president of PAA, delivered a short message to welcome the participants and stated that the theme of the event supports the initiatives of DA.

“The theme supports the interest of the national food security agenda initiated by the Department of Agriculture in the areas of sustainability, resiliency and innovation. It is also aligned with the human capabilities that are needed to manage the technological challenges ushered in by Agriculture 4.0 and Industry 4.0.” Dr. Divinagracia said.

Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, BCAARRD Director and PAA Bicol (Canarium ovatum) Chapter, also delivered welcoming remarks to both the participants and the speakers.

The Regional Executive Director of DA – Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V), Mr. Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE, also delivered a message and introduced Dr. William D. Dar, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, as the Keynote speaker.

A total of 20 speakers shared their expertise and advocacies in the two-day event. The speakers were divided into five plenary sessions which entertained questions from the participants.

Approximately 300 participants logged into ZOOM with the speakers while about 200 were watching via Facebook Live.

The event ended with the announcement of the newly elected PAA Bicol (Canarium ovatum) Chapter officials. The said team will be headed by Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, Professor of Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry, for two years.

The participants of the 2^nd Bicol Regional PAA Conference will receive a total of ten (10) CPD points once they present their certificate of completion upon renewal of license. (Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA, BCAARRD)