On October 24, 2023, three faculty members from the College of Fisheries (CF) actively engaged in the inaugural alumni gathering for scholars who completed the Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program under the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). This event, hosted at the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City, provided a platform for sharing information, mentorship, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector.
This convention has also inspired upcoming GREAT graduates in preparing re-entry project proposals. The convention kicked off with the sharing of experiences by current GREAT completers who are actively implementing their R&D projects. Subsequently, a sector-specific breakout session allowed these completers to present and seek feedback on their draft re-entry proposals from evaluators and PCAARRD Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans managers.
Mr. Aries Paul Padron, a faculty member from CF and a GREAT alumnus, presented his re-entry proposal in one of the sessions. Following constructive comments and suggestions, his project proposal was considered for funding. Simultaneously, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, along with Dr. Tereso A. Abella, CF Professor Emeritus, served as panel evaluators in the aquatic resources sector.
This 1st GREAT alumni convention preceded the 4th DPGAA (DOST-PCAARRD Graduate Alumni Association), Inc. Biennial Convention, themed "DPGAA's Role in Accelerating Post-Pandemic Recovery in the AANR," held from October 25-26, 2023, at Cebu Technological University. The subsequent 4th DPGAA Biennial Convention attracted AANR sector experts. Dr. Velasco moderated a plenary session on the first day, while Dr. Abella chaired the best paper competition in the aquatic sector. Meanwhile, Mr. Padron participated in the best poster competition and received recognition as a finalist in the aquatic sector category. Dr. Velasco was also honored with the 2023 DPGAA Service Award for her remarkable contributions.
The active involvement of CF faculty members in these conventions underscores their commitment to professional development, their institution, and the AANR sector. It serves as a tangible testament to their dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and contributing to the overall growth of their field.
