DOST-NRCP RDLead Empowers Aurora State College of Technology for Science-Driven Impact in Agroforestry

BALER, AURORA — The drive toward an inclusive national research ecosystem reached the shores of Aurora as the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines rolled out its week-long RDLead FIRE (Enhanced Research and Development Leadership to Foster an Inclusive Research Ecosystem) engagement at the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) from April 13 to 21, 2026.

The program focused on advanced research methodologies to agriculture and forestry  to strengthen the institutional capacity and align research with pressing environmental and development priorities.

The training brought together faculty members, researchers, and experts in a concerted effort to enhance ASCOT’s research capability. RD Leader Dr. Wilfredo M. Carandang led intensive sessions on scientific writing, systematic reviews, and research proposal development, and agroforestry research.

Complementing these sessions, resource speakers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz and Dr. Marilyn S. Combalicer, shared their expertise in agriculture and forestry, helping participants refine their methodologies and strengthen their research frameworks.

During the training, participants developed research designs, refined study frameworks, and engaged in peer feedback across disciplines ranging from agriculture and forestry to engineering, IT, and business. This hands-on approach reinforced transdisciplinary collaboration, a key driver of impactful and fundable research.

To address local challenges in Aurora, the training focused heavily on agroforestry and ridge-to-reef systems. Discussions provided researchers with clear pathways to align their studies with community well-being, environmental resilience, and climate-responsive development in the province and similar ecosystems.