The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII) held its 35th Research for Development Agency In-House Review on July 29–30, 2026, in General Santos City, bringing together researchers and experts to evaluate research initiatives that aim to improve agricultural productivity and uplift the lives of farmers in SOCCSKSARGEN.
A total of 11 completed research studies underwent rigorous evaluation during the two-day activity, with six entries under the Research Category and five under the Development Category.
Cecilia A. Parcon, chief of the Research for Development Division, said that the annual review serves as the DA-RFO XII’s quality assurance mechanism to ensure that research outputs meet scientific standards and ethical principles. “Out of these research priorities, we generate technologies and innovations that respond to the needs of the agriculture sector,” she further underscored.
According to Wilson G. Viloria II, Science Research Specialist II, the annual in-house review is not only an avenue for evaluating research outputs but also a recognition of the dedication of researchers in developing solutions that benefit the farming communities. “This activity recognizes the hard work and dedication of our researchers in achieving the goal of increasing the productivity and income of farmers through the use of modern and mature technologies developed through Research and Development,” Viloria added.
The evaluation was led by a panel of distinguished external experts composed of Dr. Keno Jay M. Balogbog, Director of Extension Services from Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GenSan); Dr. Donna Ria J. Canacan, Dean of the College of Agriculture of MSU-GenSan; and Dr. Tamie C. Solpot, Dean of the College of Agriculture of the University of Southern Mindanao – Kabacan. Each research study was assessed based on its scientific merit, methodological rigor, innovation, and potential impact on farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
The activity also recognized outstanding research and development outputs for their scientific excellence, innovation, and relevance to the agriculture sector. The Best Study award in the Research Category was presented to “Verification and Utilization of Black Soldier Fly as Detritivores to Different Agricultural Wastes,” while “Market Assessment and Refinement of Purple Corn Beverages in Region XII” was named Best Study in the Development Category.
Parcon shared that outstanding research papers that successfully met the evaluation standards will represent DA-RFO XII in the upcoming National Research Symposium and the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium. “This is an opportunity for our researchers to showcase these research and development initiatives at higher levels,” she added.
Through its continuing investment in research and innovation, Parcon further stated that the agency remains committed to developing science-based technologies and evidence-driven solutions that enhance farm productivity, strengthen the agriculture sector, and improve the lives of farmers across the region. (NPBAgapay)
DA-RFO XII researchers, officers, and evaluators gather during the 35th Research for Development (R4D) Agency In-House Review on July 29–30, 2026, at Green Leaf Hotel, General Santos City. The annual event underscores the agency’s commitment to driving science-backed agricultural innovations that boost farm productivity, uplift farmers’ incomes, and build a resilient agricultural sector in SOCCSKSARGEN.