The ERDB- Watershed Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) was recognized as the “Most Scientific Booth” in the recently concluded 2023 Joint Regional Symposium on Research, Development, and Extension Highlights (RSRDEH) at Apayao State College, Luna Campus.

This year’s theme, “Panna-ga-antag (Dialogue): Facilitating Wider Participation and S&T Understanding in Bolstering RDE Goals,” provided a platform for WWRRDEC to showcase its completed research studies, technologies, and advocacies, particularly through the Institutional Booth Presentation and Competition.

The activity, spearheaded by the Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic Resources, Research and Development (CorCAARRD), and Cordillera Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology and Development Consortium (CIEERDeC), highlighted 158 programs, projects, and research presentations in the fields of Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR), Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies (IEET), and Socio-culture, and Education.

A total of 63 research findings were presented at the professional level, 30 under the student category, and 59 research posters. Additionally, seven (7) agencies participated in the institutional booth presentation and competition.

The WWRRDEC booth showcased the center’s Research, Development and Extension (RDE) initiatives such as Information, Education, and Communication materials (IECs) on the SAFE Project (S & T Action Frontline Emergencies for Forest Fire Hazard in the Watersheds in Bokod and Daclan, Benguet Province using Maguey as Greenbelt); types of ornamental bamboos; and various methods on bamboo propagation.

Furthermore, a diorama showcasing the Artificial Groundwater Recharge Facility (AGRF) in Baguio City and La Trinidad was presented to highlight the advantages of groundwater recharge being a “drought-proof” water supply from groundwater during the dry season.

Several forest tree seeds were also displayed to portray the importance of the activities conducted at the North Luzon Forest Tree Seed Center (NLFTRC) such as seed collection, seed processing, seed testing, seed health Testing, and storage.

For the Benguet Pine Stand Susceptibility to Potential Bark Beetle Outbreak in Baguio City study, insect boxes containing preserved insect specimens of the Benguet pine forest were also displayed along with a microscope by which visitors could take a closer look at the morphology of bark beetles, Ips Calligraphus Germar and Dendroctonus sp.

The booth was visited by symposium participants, students, faculty members, and college staff. WWRRDEC representatives, Ms. Shirley Jaene Valdez, Science Research Specialist I, and Ms. Chamanei Elias, Extension Officer I answered queries, briefed visitors on the center’s mandates, and discussed the valuable impacts of the RDE initiatives with stakeholders.

Various IEC materials were also distributed to enhance the educational aspect of the exhibit. These include TeKnow Comics on Water, Vulnerability Assessment, Tree Surgery, and Bamboo Propagation.

The IECs not only engaged visitors but also served as educational tools, disseminating crucial information on important topics on ENR technologies. Chamanei Elias, WWRRDEC

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