The Cagayan Valley Regional Research and Development Committee (RRDC2) discussed and endorsed the One Health Product Development Center and Business Intelligence Research & Development Center (BIRD-C) as among the regional initiatives to respond and mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic during its second semester meeting on November 05 through video conference. 

The BIRD-C serves as an arm for the provision of ICT-related support system for Enterprise Resource Planning of micro, small, and medium enterprises. This is achieved by setting-up Business-to-consumer market place, which is part of “Smart” mechanism or an upgrade to a digitized platform of transaction through the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) OneStore.ph and SETUP Programs. The BIRD-C shall mobilize local resources, initiate local innovative products, resources and services for domestics and possible export markets which would contribute to job creation and provide for economic growth to the region. 

The One Health Product Development Center is a collaboration of ISU, Buartek Corporation and DOST to find ways on how to combat and cure diseases like the COVID 19. The Isabela State University (ISU) is in-charge in the production of raw materials, while DOST provides the manufacturing and processing machineries. The Bauertek Corporation shall purchase the pre-processed herbal products for laboratory treatments, processing into herbal supplements, packaging and distribution.  

The committee also deliberated on the possible re-prioritization of researches enrolled in the Cagayan Valley Updated Regional Research and Development Agenda (RRDA 2017-2022) to align it with the demand of the current times especially during this pandemic. They also expressed their all-out support to the 1^st Regional Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Engineering and Technology Virtual Research Conference this December. 

Also approved by the committee is the use of the Dual Drum Composter in the region as an alternative for community-based management of solid biodegradable wastes generated by restaurants, canteens, schools, among others, to gradually or significantly reduce biodegradable solid waste. Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos M. Padilla expressed his interest to pilot the use of the technology in his province.  

RRDC Chair and DOST Regional Director Sancho Mabborang challenged the members to be more aggressive and innovative in research, for the region to come-up with world class researches which is responsive and helpful to the demands of the time notwithstanding the multifarious major accomplishments of the region’s researchers.