Lopez group backs gov’t agri tech projects

The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) partnered with Lopez-led First Gen Corp. to extend support to more agricultural producers nationwide.

In a statement on Wednesday, First Gen said it had signed a nonbinding agreement with PCAARRD, a multisectoral research and development body under the DOST, to explore and support agribusiness technologies and projects that would improve the livelihood of small farmers and fisherfolk.

Intended beneficiaries are the communities that host First Gen’s power plants and other areas of their choice.

Both parties agreed to “identify and agree on priority projects and activities related to agri-aqua production, harvesting and postharvesting systems.” They will release funds to uphold the accord’s objectives and collaborate in implementing the aforementioned priority activities.

“First Gen and DOST-PCAARRD may also enter into other agreements for other special projects that will promote and advance First Gen’s advocacies and promote DOST-PCAARRD’s mandates,” it said.

As stated on its website, PCAARRD is responsible for formulating policies, plans and programs for science and technology-based research and development and spearheading technology transfer initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sectors.

Aside from coordinating, evaluating and monitoring the research and development efforts, PCAARRD is also allocating government and external funds for research and development, and generating resources to support its initiatives.

First Gen, a subsidiary of listed conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corp., owns and operates 31 power plants located in Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Bicol, Leyte, Negros Island and North Cotabato.

“Through its corporate social responsibility arm, First Gen wishes to help develop and improve the quality of its stakeholders by supporting relevant, responsive and regenerative programs focused on environment, education, livelihood, particularly in the agri-aqua sector and related technologies,” it added. INQ