UPLB­CGIAR Meeting

Report 20 June 2016

Officials and representatives from CGIAR Research Centers, the Philippine Rice Research Institute, and University of the Philippines Los Baños gather to discuss initiatives, strategies, and possible areas of

research to strength and expansion collaborative research programs. Rationale: The meeting between the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the CGIAR Research Centers was initiated by UPLB in its bid to further its internationalization agenda through expanded research and capacity­building collaborations with the CG Centers. Attendance: Around 70 key officials and representatives from UPLB led by Chancellor Fernando Sanchez Jr., along with leaders and representatives of a number of CG Centers including Bioversity International, CIAT, CIP, ICRAF, ILRI, IRRI and WorldFish, attended the workshop. Directors General Dr. Matthew Morell, IRRI, and Dr. Nigel Preston, WorldFish International, were present. Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Agriculture­Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), led by Mr. Joel Lales, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute, represented by Executive Director Dr. Calixto Protacio. Morning session: Chancellor Fernando Sanchez welcomed the participants to the workshop. He recognized the long partnership between UPLB and the CGIAR Centers, many of which have their regional office or headquarters (e.g., IRRI, ICRAF) in the campus. He recognized the centers’ leadership in international agricultural research and development and emphasized how rekindling a

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collaborative partnership will be very helpful in UPLB’s drive towards internationalization, particularly in light of the ASEAN integration. The Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Professor Rex Demafelis, facilitated introductions from the officials of UPLB, the various college deans, and CG Center representatives. Dr. Simplicio Medina, Director of the Office of Institutional Linkages, provided details of UPLB’s internationalization efforts anchored on:

ASEAN integration and accreditation to the ASEAN University Network (AUN); the policy direction of the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to

upgrade the quality of and access to higher education institutions; and, the UP System’s strategic plan to encourage staff to improve their capability in research,

recruit the best and brightest students, and intensify internationalization and formalize quality assurance.

He also outlined UPLB’s accomplishments in the drive towards internationalization. (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc.)

Dr. Dindo Campilan, Director for Asia, lays out the thematic areas of

research of CIAT. Presentations from the CG Centers followed: 1. CIAT ­ Dr. Dindo Campilan (Director for Asia of the Centro Internacional de Agricultura

Tropical [CIAT]) laid out the thematic areas of research of CIAT, namely the following: cassava value chains; forages and livestock; systems and landscapes; climate change and ecosystem services; and, value chains, food systems and gender. In Asia, CIAT works in 10 countries including the Philippines. The presentation put emphasis on CIAT’s partnership with the Philippines in collaborative projects focusing on cassava and climate change research since 2014. Dr. Campilan identified two ongoing projects with UPLB—cassava collaborative breeding (with the College of Agriculture), and climate­resilient agriculture (with the College of Public Affairs). He concluded by identifying research areas that UPLB and CIAT can further collaborate on and, at the same time, highlighting the strengths of each

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institution to contribute in the partnership (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

2. ICRAF ­ Dr. Rodel Lasco (Country Coordinator and Senior Scientist of the World Agroforestry Center [ICRAF]) highlighted the importance of agroforestry, especially for the Filipino upland poor, reaching around 20 million, and ICRAF’s niche in Philippine agricultural R & D. He described some of the collaborative projects of ICRAF in the country, such as the Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program; Smart Tree Invest Phase III project; Watershed evaluation for sustainable use in Southern Philippines project, and the Climate change adaptation research project. He stated that ICRAF­UPLB collaborations can be undertaken through joint research, establishment of a network of agroforestry universities, joint publications, training activities, and capacity building. (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

Ms. Jules Mateo. Communication Specialist, ILRI provides an overview of ILRI’s programs.

3. ILRI ­ Ms. Jules Mateo (Communication Specialist, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)) discussed ILRI’s research thrusts, ongoing projects, and plans for expansion in the region. ILRI has two priority themes: (1) sustainable intensification of mixed crop–livestock agricultural systems and (2) mitigation of risks inherent in changing agricultural systems. Its ongoing projects include research on pork food safety and value chain in Vietnam; surveillance and early warning systems for climate­sensitive diseases in Vietnam and Laos; mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam; and, interventions to improve market performance for feed and fodder in East Java, Indonesia. Among ILRI’s lineup of new projects in the region are those focusing on indigenous pigs in the Philippines and Vietnam. The study of native pigs and joint scholarships (MSc and Ph.D,) are the areas that were identified by ILRI for potential collaboration with Philippine partners. (See

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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

4. CIP ­ The work of the International Potato Center (CIP) in the Philippines and in the region was presented by Dr. Jim Gradoville, CIP’s deputy director for operations. After introducing the organization and establishing the significance of the research on potato and sweet potato, Dr. Gradoville discussed CIP’s strategic programs and thrusts, such as the development of a nutritious and resilient sweet potato and the development of “agile” potato for Asia as well as in Africa, etc. In the Philippines, Dr. Gradoville recalled CIP’s 40­year relationship with the country. He went on to describe CIP’s FoodSTART+ project in the Philippines and the center’s collaborative projects with UPLB (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

5. WorldFish Center ­ WorldFish Director General Dr. Nigel Preston focused on the Center’s

main mission and geographic scope. He emphasized the significance of aquaculture research, noting that much of the world’s problems with nutrient deficiencies can be easily addressed by simply adding fish to one’s diet. He noted the synergies in fish and crops research, and the importance of these kinds of synergies to come up with cross­commodity technology interventions in combating climate change. Some examples are the use of legume and grain substitutes for fishmeal proteins and the use of marine microbial processes to convert waste carbon from agriculture to aquafeeds. For the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region, he recommended a joint collaboration for a new phase of tilapia research, fish disease control, and genetically improved farmed tiger prawns (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

(Front row, left to right) Dr Rex Demafelis, Dr Bruce Tolentino, Chancellor Dr. Fernando Sanchez Jr., Dr. Matthew Morell and Dr. Nigel Preston engage with the afternoon session presenters.

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6. Bioversity International ­ Dr. Agustin “Gus” Molina, Jr. (Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator for Asia­Pacific) presented the work of Bioversity International. The center works in 35 countries, and uses scientific research to develop best management practices and policy recommendations to ensure sustainable food production in the midst of a changing climate, decreasing arable land, and loss of agrobiodiversity. Bioversity has three main initiatives: promotion of healthy diets from sustainable food systems; productive and resilient farms, forests, and landscapes; and effective genetic resource conservation and use. One of the focus commodities of the center is banana research. Bioversity Int’l promotes germplasm conservation, characterization, improvement, and use; pests and diseases management; postharvest and value adding; Musa information exchange and development; and, human resources development. In the Philippines, these activities are undertaken mainly in partnership with UPLB. In addition, the center also works with the Department of Agriculture­Bureau of Agricultural Research and other (Philippine government agencies to develop bananas that are resistant to fusarium wilting. (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

7. IRRI ­ Dr. Bas Bouman, director of the IRRI­led CGIAR Research Program on Rice Agri­Food System (RICE), thanked UPLB for being the institute’s partner since it was founded in 1960. He highlighted elements of the two­way partnership, including how UPLB has benefitted from IRRI’s presence in the form of adjunct professorships of IRRI scientists at UPLB, and collaborative opportunities for UPLB’s faculty and researchers at IRRI. He provided an overview of the RICE program, which is a major program involving several CG centers led by IRRI and it’s five flagship projects which inlcude: targeting and delivery; global rice array; value chains; farming systems; and, development of new rice varieties to withstand challenges brought about by climate change. (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

Dr. Madonna Casimero, main coordinator of the DA­IRRI Food Staples Sufficiency Program, presented IRRI’s ongoing projects in the Philippines, which are funded by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. She presented IRRI’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, and the accomplishments of seven ongoing collaborative projects, namely: (1) benchmarking the Philippines’ rice competitiveness relative to major rice­producing and ­consuming countries in Asia; (2) Heirloom Rice Project; (3) Rice Crop Manager; (4) Next­Generation Project on expediting rice breeding and dissemination and access; (5) associated technologies for the rainfed areas; (6) Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) that uses satellite imagery and remote sensing to assess rice farms and project harvest rates every cropping season; and, improving promotion and delivery of technologies through capability building. These initiatives are all conducted in close collaboration with partners in the Department of Agriculture and PhilRice (See https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxgfJmAw_Jq4SkI2Um1HYlY1emc for the full presentation.)

Presentations were followed by questions and clarifications from the participants. Dr. Emil Javier, former UP president, asked how the partnerships can lead to a UPLB staff getting a postdoctoral fellowship with the CG or IRRI. Dr. Matthew Morell, IRRI DG, responded that there are general arrangements allowing UPLB staff to do postdoctoral research in IRRI, but that

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candidate selection is done on a case­by­case basis and always subject to the availability of funds. The participants were divided into four thematic groups to discuss areas of potential collaboration. Group I: ILRI, UPLB, Worldfish Group II: UPLB, ICRAF and BIoversity Int’l Group III: UPLB, CIAT, CIP Group IV: UPLB, IRRI, DA­BAR and PhilRice Each group was given more than 1 hour to deliberate on areas for research collaboration and capacity building. The results of these deliberations were then presented in the plenary as follows: Group 1: UPLB, ILRI, and WorldFish Possible collaboration areas

1. Integrated farming systems (livestock + aquatic) Include conservation of native pigs, market research, and working with people’s

organizations 2. Formalizing of Aquatic/Fisheries Division (CA­UPLB) 3. Extension and utilization of different crops, assessment for agribusiness potential 4. Social enterprise programs for farmers and social sciences to be integrated in projects 5. Capacity building to strengthen farmers organizations especially on management and

sustainability 6. Health and nutrition issues and concerns; food safety and security 7. Development of aquatic medicine 8. Incorporating gender studies 9. Development of policies when projects become implemented on a national scale with

different scenarios and sites Action plans

1. Baseline/benchmarking data gathering and needs assessment on available production methods, marketing systems, food safety, alternative systems

2. Identification of key players and their roles (LGUs, stakeholders, POs) 3. Consolidate and conduct proper documentation of best practices 4. Monitoring and assessment of practices of farmers 5. Conduct risk assessment 6. Conduct impact assessment 7. Capacity building/development for farmers to strengthen community­based organizations 8. One­on­one meetings/collaborations with scientists with parallel or related research

(buddy system) 9. The group will also conduct a follow­up meeting to be able to start collaborating as soon

as possible. 10. Creation of TWG and e­group

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Group 2: UPLB, ICRAF and Bioversity, Int’l. Possible collaboration areas

1. Research mobilization and capacity building with a thematic approach 2. Research implementation and partnerships 3. Bioversity = Germplasm: Characterization for both research and capacity building 4. Payment for environmental services (traditional crop varieties) 5. Priority agendas already set by UPLB, and together with ICRAF and Bioversity, to

build collaboration 6. Apply impact and risk assessment techniques (GIS remote sensing as a tool to assess

impacts and risk in relation to climate change, impact assessment ­ importance of biodiversity and balance with natural habitats with agroecosys which provide ecosystem services; fringing PA’s/natural habitats buffer zones)

7. Development of project impact pathways ­ CA to collaborate with CEM on pathways/routes (VV)

8. Routes can be done on different hierarchies (Molina) use a check/assessment tools; Use hierarchical levels along the impact pathways

9. Climate change adaptation and mitigation ­ making initiatives which are climate resilient/ climate adaptive systems

10. Concrete steps ­ Stakeholder priority­setting in terms of research and programs in line with CGIAR group and UPLB

11. Improvements such as short­maturing varieties; Mainstreaming and outselling and put into pathway = commercialization

12. Tap units; get ideas and sum it up with different CGIAR institutions; as joint collaborative programs

13. Input economic values; link genetics and economics; added values 14. Be proactive; talk with programs; link directly 15. Take advantage of opportunities as they arrive 16. Need resources; tight budget of CGIARs ­ new reality to consider; it is a challenge and

an opportunity ­ allows collaboration/links 17. Lots of human resources (PhD level talents); UPLB might even have more resources

than CGIARs 18. Start small; can do joint program proposals to donors; partners to help facilitate access

to international donors; given the common agenda 19. Importance of student projects in university base; can focus a lot of time in projects; start

small ­ intern/post­doc in terms of collaboration 20. Value chain; some other services is added and paid for; certified products; where are the

consumers; policies and value added 21. Incentive for farmers for planting traditional crop varieties 22. Community­based and multi­product­based approach for planting traditional crop

varieties such as banana and cassava 23. Inter/Multidisciplinary approach on collaborations 24. Biofuels from forest trees; High­value products from forest trees 25. Interested in a watershed management project for the UP Sierra Madre Land Grant,

wherein Sierra Madre is a major watershed for Central Luzon and Metro Manila, which ranges from Mt. Banahaw to Palawan and cushions from impact of typhoons.

26. Application of agroforestry as a maintenance solution to Watershed Management projects

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27. Sierra Madre Agroforestry Network led by UPLB and working with Philippine Forestry Network which can create more impact if linked to local banana varieties

28. Coordinate with OVCRE and OIL; ICRAF to partner with CFNR, CAS, CHE, SESAM, and CA

29. Integrated farming which involves the ecosystem as a whole; research on by­products of these farming systems. By­products of biofuel can serve as animal feeds

30. Identify priority species in the Sierra Madre biodiversity conservation; Syzygium species origins; genetic resources appreciated

31. There is recognition but no political will for genetic resources protection. 32. Non­timber forest products; utilization of underutilized species 33. Protect forest that remains; develop agroforestry; combine people and conservation 34. Best way to conserve germplasm is if they are utilized; domesticate them; Ex Katmon

(Dillenia) Syzygium; 35. Commercialization of traditional and wild varieties; Ex Saba – add value to them and

make it profitable 36. Apparent gaps in research; no nutrition value in species like Pili 37. Affirmed value of food and nutrition, example preference for red or brown rice; being

more filling than white rice but also the nutritional content 38. Research on policies concerning use and sharing of germplasm 39. Link the researches to ecotourism; links to food and beverage industry; 40. Links to export ­ Lipote based wine; domestic base will buffer the international trade

OFWs buying Lipote wine

Group 3: UPLB, CIAT, and CIP Possible areas of collaboration

1. Experts mentoring students (adjunct professors) 2. Research topics 3. Research proposals 4. Rural development 5. Policy courses 6. Governance 7. Faculty exchanges 8. Research collaborations 9. Policy conferences 10. Research mentoring 11. Food processing ­ Competitiveness of commercial food products 12. Crops 13. Variability/quality of produce & products 14. Post­harvest 15. Seasonal forecasting & insurance 16. Big data analytics 17. Cassava breeding

Cassava breeding network Cassava crop health

18. Livestock crop systems 19. Soil health 20. Ecosystems research

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21. Value chain (nutrition) – food quality 22. Boom crops phenomenon 23. Beans/common beans

Tools (center for science) Cost­benefit analysis tool

Concerns raised Existing laboratory facilities / tools for research

1. CA Laboratories Gene discovery Physiology Post­harvest Food Science Animal Science Soil Science

2. CEM Agricultural economics

3. Status and number of agriculture students

Declining number of agriculture students Efforts in recruiting agriculture students Theses conducted by agriculture students

Challenges Identified:

1. Internationalization of emerging interdisciplinary research 2. Variability of CG Centers 3. RND facility/center is located in China 4. Researcher exchange

Group 4: UPLB, IRRI PhilRice, DA­BAR, and PCAARRD Possible areas of collaboration

1. Big Data Analytics 2. System productivity 3. Capacity building OJT program ­ training and capacity building of young staff/s, i.e. training on CRISPR

(Genome Editing Tool) as a project­based concept 4. World­class publications 5. Update/communicate with CGs 6. Annual Research Presentation with CGIAR Centres 7. Protocol on capacity building (Guidelines, i.e., thesis, OJT, sabbatical leave etc) 8. Food safety­ i.e., heavy metal contamination, certification, protocols, organic practices ­

in relation to importation (consumers) 9. Bringing SUCs from the South. The possibility of tripartite agreement 10. Recommendation on trade/quantitative policy studies. 11. Develop the laboratory where study/research will be conducted 12. Intensify the breeding program

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Dr. Bruce Tolentino, IRRI Deputy Director General of Communication and Partnerships of IRRI, thanked all the participants and delivered the closing remarks.

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Annex 1 PROGRAM UPLB and CGIAR Centers’ Collaboration Meeting 20 June 2016, Drilon Hall, SEARCA

8:00 – 9:00 Registration 9:00 – 9:15 Welcome Remarks Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr.

Chancellor

9:15­9:30 Introduction of CGIAR Centers’ Representatives and UPLB Participants

Dr. Rex B. Demafelis Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension

9:30 – 10:00 UPLB’s Take on Internationalization Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. Chancellor

10:00 – 10:30 Group Photo Coffee Break

10:30 – 10:50 International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

Dr. Dindo Campilan Regional Director Asia Dr. Andy Jarvis Research Director for Decision and Policy Analysis

10:50 – 11:10 World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) Dr. Rodel Lasco Senior Scientist and Country Coordinator Dr. Ingrid Oborn Interim Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator

11:10 – 11:30 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Ms. Jules Mateo Communications Specialist for East and Southeast Asia

11:30 – 11:50 International Potato Center (CIP) Dr. Jim Gradoville Deputy Director, Operations

11:50 – 1:00 Lunch 1:00 – 1:20 WorldFish Center Dr. Nigel Preston

Director General 1:20 – 1:40 Bioversity International Dr. Agustin Molina

Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator 1:40 – 2:00 International Rice Research Institute

(IRRI)

Dr. Madonna Casimero Scientist and FSSP Coordinator Dr. Bas Bouman Director, Global Rice Science Partnerships (GRiSP)

2:00 – 2:30 Coffee Break 2:30 – 4:30 Break­out Sessions 4:30 – 5:00 Synthesis Dr. Enrico P. Supangco

Dean, College of Agriculture 5:00 Closing Remarks Dr. Bruce Tolentino

Deputy Director General, IRRI

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Annex 2 Participants CGIAR ­ UPLB Coordination Meeting Name Position Organization

1 Dr. Agustin Molina Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator of Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources Programme

Bioversity International

2 Dr. Rodel Lasco Senior Scientist and Country Coordinator (Philippines)

ICRAF

3 Dr. Ingrid Oborn Interim Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator

ICRAF

4 Dr. Dindo Campilan Regional Director Asia CIAT

5 Mr. Jim Gradoville Deputy Director­Operations , CIP­China Center for Asia Pacific

CIP

6 Ms. Marrieta Nadal Office Manager, CIP Philippines CIP

7 Ms. Jules Mateo Communications Specialist for East and Southeast Asia

ILRI

8 Dr. Nigel Preston Director General WorldFish Center

9 Dr. Matthew Morell Director General IRRI 10 Dr. Bruce Tolentino Deputy Director General for

Communication and Partnerships IRRI

11 Dr. David Johnson Head, CESD IRRI 12 Ms. Michele Weldon Head Partnerships Office IRRI

13 Mr. Benedict Pamatmat Assistant Scientist IRRI 14 Dr. Madonna Casimero Senior Scientist and FSSP

Coordinator IRRI

15 Dr. Mary Jean Du Manager Project Coordination IRRI 16 Dr. Fernando Sanchez Jr. Chancellor UPLB 17 Dr. Rex B. Demafelis Vice Chancellor for Research and

Extension UPLB

18 Dr. Portia G. Lapitan Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs UPLB 19 Dr. Crisanto Dorado Vice Chancellor for Administration UPLB 20 Dr. Serlie Barroga­Jamias Vice Chancellor for Community

Affairs UPLB

21 Dr. Mairish S. Madlangbayan Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development

UPLB

College of Agriculture (CA) 22 Dr. Enrico P. Supangco Dean, College of Agriculture UPLB 23 Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. Director, Animal and Dairy Sciences

Cluster (ADSC­CA) UPLB

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24 Dr. Pearl B. Sanchez OIC Director, Agricultural Systems Cluster UPLB

25 Dr. Teresita U. Dalisay Director, Crop Protection Cluster (CPC­CA)

UPLB

26 Dr. Lotis E. Mopera Director, Food Science Cluster (FSC­CA) UPLB

27 Dr. Artemio M. Salazar Professor UPLB

28 Dr. Danny Lalican Professor UPLB

29 Dr. Jose Hernandez Professor UPLB

30 Dr. Amado Angeles

UPLB

31 Dr. Oliver Abanto

UPLB

32 Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio

UPLB

33 Dr. Mary Jean Bulatao UPLB

34 Dr. Teresita Borromeo UPLB

35 Dr. Beth Garcia UPLB

36 Dr. Lilia S. Collado UPLB

37 Dr. Jocelyn D. Labios UPLB

College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) 38 Dr. Raden G. Piadozo Dean UPLB

39 Dr. Diomedes A. Racelis UPLB

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) 40 Dr. Felino P. Lansigan Dean UPLB 41 Dr. Florencio G. Palis UPLB

42 Dr. Lucille Villegas UPLB

College of Development Communication (CDC) 43 Dr. Ma. Theresesa H. Velasco Dean UPLB

44 Dr. Ma. Stella C. Tirol UPLB

College of Engineering and Agro­Industrial Technology 45 Dr. Arnold Elepaño Dean UPLB 46 Dr. Myra Borines UPLB

47 Dr. Ronaldo B. Saludes UPLB

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College of Economics and Management (CEM) 48 Dr. Isabelita M. Pabuayon Dean UPLB

49 Dr. Ma. Eden S. Piadozo UPLB

College of Human Ecology

50 Dr. Willie Abasolo Dean UPLB 51 Dr. Maria Emilinda T. Mendoza UPLB

52 Dr. Edwin Abucay UPLB

College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf)

53 Dr. Rowena Baconguis UPLB 54 Dr. Aileen Lapitan UPLB

55 Dr. Blanquita Pantoja UPLB

College of Veterinary Medicine

56 Dr. Eduardo B. Torres Dean UPLB 57 Dr. Joseph F. de la Cruz UPLB

School of Environment Science and Management (SESAM)

58 Dr. Decibel F. Eslava Dean UPLB 59 Dr. Hildie Nacorda UPLB

Museum of Natural History

60 Dr. Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez UPLB

Office of Institutional Linkages 61 Dr. Simplicio Medina Director of the Office of Institutional

Linkages UPLB

UPLB Constituents 62 Dr. Ruben Villareal UPLB 63 Dr. Rex Victor Cruz UPLB 64 Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora Executive Director PCAARRD 65 Dr. Calixto Protacio Executive Director PhilRice 66 Mr. Joel Lales DA­BAR 67 Mr. Patrick Cabrera Technical Staff DA­BAR

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