Region 2 stakeholders pledged support to the implementation of the Cagayan Valley Regional Research and Development Agenda (CV RRDA) 2023-2028 during the Regional Research Dissemination Forum held on 6 August 2024 at the Pulsar Hotel Premiere Suites, Buntun, Tuguegarao City.

The CV RRDA contains the region’s priority R&D agenda aimed at addressing the development gaps, challenges, and opportunities that are identified in the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan.

Various research and development (R&D) stakeholders committed to align their research activities with the thrusts and priorities of the Research Agenda, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, and extend their time, effort, expertise, and resources in promoting the CV RRDA and other research advocacies.

To formalize their commitment, the heads and representatives of regional line agencies, state universities and colleges, and the three regional consortia (CVAARRD, CVIEERDEC, and CVHRDC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement, symbolizing their commitment to implement the research agenda.

Ms. Djonimar Lo C. Dumlao, Chief of the NEDA Development Research Division, stressed the need to produce R&D outputs that are responsive and relevant to the needs of the region and communities. “We want our R&D to be more impactful than publication-centric. Our researches must be industry-driven and market-driven so that our research outputs will translate into investments and more jobs, as well as accelerate our region’s economic growth,” she said. She encouraged all regional research partners and institutions to align their respective R&D activities with the research agenda, and prioritize the funding and implementation of the research areas contained in the CV RRDA 2023-2028.

Department of Health Regional Director (RD) Amelita M. Pangilinan said that the CV RRDA is designed to enhance the health and well-being of the region through evidence-based researches. “We aim to establish a framework for collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders. By aligning our efforts to the research agenda, we are creating an effective and efficient foundation for pioneering research, and transforming health initiatives that will have a substantial impact on public health outcomes.

The Department of Agriculture, through Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Kay S. Olivas, stated that the document will be integrated into the agency’s research and development extension programs. “We commit to fully support the implementation of the CV RRDA, and open our doors for collaboration and complementation to maximize our existing resources and achieve impact-oriented research outputs for our farmers and fishers,” she said.

RD Marco Cicero F. Domingo and Luzon Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges President Ricmar P. Aquino also extended their messages of support and ensured continuous partnerships and collaborations to produce cutting-edge researches to advance education, technology, and community development in the region.

The strong support of the regional stakeholders will largely contribute to translating the region’s R&D agenda into action towards the realization of the region’s development goals and targets.