ISSAAS holds 11th National Convention and International Forum

Contributed by GCSanchez and MBGatan
06-February-2012

The 11th International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) Philippine National Convention and International Forum was held last October 25-26, 2011 at the Hotelvida Convention Center in Clarkfield, Angeles City. The theme of the Convention was “Environmental Conservation, Food Security and Health Risk Eradication”. The ISSAAS Central Luzon Chapter in collaboration with the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) headed by Pres. Honorio Soriano organized said convention.

The joint sponsors were the Philippine chapter of ISSAAS headed by Dr. Roberto Rañola, Jr. and the LAKEHEAD Project of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) based in Kyoto, Japan headed by Dr. Ryohei Kada. A total of 97 scientists and researchers from various agencies both from government and non-government institutions and other stakeholders attended the said event. Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje who was represented by Asst. Secretary Michelle Angelica D. Go was the Keynote Speaker.

One of the highlights of the program was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Presidents of various Philippine State Colleges and Universities to institutionalize their active participation in ISSAAS. During said occasion, the Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAR) represented by Dr. Teodoro S. Solsoloy received a Plaque of Recognition for its contribution to Research and Development activities of ISSAAS member-agencies. Also, during the business meeting, Dr. Ranola was elected to represent the Philippines as the President of ISSAAS International for 2012 to 2013 while Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez was elected as the Vice-President for the Philippine Chapter of ISSAAS.

There were four themes to the convention, namely: Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development, Food Security and Competitive Agriculture, Environmental Risk Management and Climate Change. The plenary speakers included Dr. Ryohei Kada, Leader of the Lakehead Project of RIHN, Dr. Galvez Tan, Professor of the UP College of Medicine and Coordinator of the Health Component of the Lakehead Project, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, Director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research who was represented by Ms. Gay Santos and Dr. Teodoro Solsoloy.

Aside from the presentation of technical papers along the different themes, there was a fellowship night that featured a show of talents in singing and some dancing.

Next stop for 2012 is the International Convention of ISSAAS that will be hosted by the Bicol Regional Chapter of ISSAAS in Legaspi City. Everyone is expected to be there!