DOST-PCAARRD Trains Coconut Hybridization Researchers

1 of 2

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) recently conducted a training on publication and product development in support of the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) in Los Baños, Laguna.

This one-day training was part of the Council’s knowledge management initiatives under CHP Research, aimed at equipping research and development (R&D) partners with skills in science communication and technology generation.

The program consisted of three sessions: (1) “DOST-PCAARRD Manual of Style for Clear, Effective, and Authentic Writing for Effective Science Communication,” (2) “Improving Visual Design of Publications and Products,” and (3) “Understanding Technology Pathways: Extension, Deployment, and Commercialization.”

In the first session, Applied Communication Division (ACD) Director Marita A. Carlos highlighted the challenges of translating specialized research into accessible formats for different audiences. She provided key principles and common pitfalls in writing publication materials to guide participants.

Science Research Specialist II Quimby Mari R. Genota from ACD led the second session, discussing the application of design principles to various information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. She also shared insights into the IEC production process at the Council.

The third session was facilitated by Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Assistant Director Lucy A. Lastimosa, who covered essential technology pathways for transferring research innovations to practical applications in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.

In a video message, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora emphasized that the training ensures science and technology (S&T) innovations under CHP reach beyond laboratories and research institutions to benefit the public.

Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos encouraged participants to share their research findings through accessible publications and develop products tailored to the needs of the coconut industry, farmers, and other stakeholders.

Following the training, participants submitted revised IEC materials and a technology transfer plan for their respective projects, which will serve as valuable references for their objectives.

A total of 48 R&D personnel from various CHP Research implementing agencies attended the event, including Romblon State University (RSU), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Capiz State University (CAPSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Visayas State University (VSU), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), and research centers of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina spearheaded the activity, along with Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra and the CHP team. (Rosemarie A. De Castro, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services)