The Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC) conducted a Review and Planning Workshop last February 20 at the PHTRC Annex Building Training Room. The objective of the workshop was to assess the status of the research, development, and extension (RDE) programs of the Center and to align its three-year plan to the needs and demands of the postharvest horticultural sector.
To set the tone of the activity, PHTRC Director Elda B. Esguerra gave an overview of the workshop and its objectives. Dr. Dormita del Carmen, PHTRC Research and Development (R&D) coordinator and assistant to the director, then presented the Center’s accomplishments in research and development for the past three years, while Ms. Leonida Artes, extension coordinator, discussed the extension activities and outputs. PHTRC Maintenance Engineer Emmanuel Q. Amatorio, and Administrative Officer Adela L. Absulio reported on the developments in infrastructure and manpower, respectively.
PHTRC staff members, including regular and project-based personnel, were then divided into three groups to discuss and identify the gaps and opportunities in RDE. They were also asked to draw up relevant infrastructure and manpower target outputs. Dr. Ofelia K. Bautista and Dr. Edralina P. Serrano, former PHTRC directors and adjunct professors, actively participated and shared their wisdom in the workshop discussion.
Individual groups formulated development programs for 2022-2022 which were later presented in a plenary. These outputs will be consolidated into a PHTRC three-year development plan in line with the Center’s vision and mission. (RAO Lualhati, NG Ramos, MV Maunahan)