The DOST PCAARRD, through its Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), successfully conducted the Year 2 Semi-Annual Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the RAISE Program in Caraga — a vital platform to assess progress, accomplishments, and challenges of the program's ongoing implementation across the region.

The activity gathered project leaders and staff from Caraga State University (CSU), Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), and Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) to present project updates and financial reports covering the period October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

The activity opened with messages of encouragement and commitment from RAISE Program Leader Prof. Kenneth L. Ciudad and TTPD Assistant Director Ms. Lucy A. Lastimosa. Also in attendance was Ms. Kariza M. Geminiano, TTPD’s Regional Focal Person for RAISE Caraga, who continues to provide invaluable technical guidance and support to all implementing institutions.

The event featured comprehensive presentations from:

 🔹 Project 1: Regional IPTBM – Prof. Kenneth L. Ciudad

 🔹 Project 1A (NEMSU): Engr. Luzminda Bacquial

 🔹 Project 1B (ASSCAT): Dr. Rodel Oclaret

 🔹 Project 2: Regional Agribusiness Hub – Genesis Jared Cutamora

 🔹 Project 3: Regional ATBI – Ms. Jennelyn R. Asis

 🔹 Project 4: Knowledge Management Hub – Joey Arles O. Vergara

With open discussions, Q&A sessions, and a review of remaining deliverables, the activity reinforced collaboration and accountability—ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned as we approach the final stretch of RAISE Year 2 ending this September 2025.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners at TTPD-PCAARRD and all participating SUCs for making this activity meaningful, productive, and forward-looking. Here's to stronger innovation systems and impact-driven results for the Caraga region! 

The RAISE Year 2 Strategic Action Plan Development Workshop was successfully conducted on January 30, 2025, at the CSU Hero Learning Commons Activity Center, Ampayon, Butuan City. 

This activity served as a vital platform for all Project Leaders and Staffs to align their activities and deliverables as the program enters the second quarter of year 2. Through a structured action planning session, lead by Program Leader, Mr. Kenneth L. Ciudad, the team developed clear goals, timelines, and responsibilities, ensuring that each project component contributes to the overarching vision of the RAISE Program. The workshop also provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, address challenges, and set a strategic direction for 2025. 

A RAISE Program team pictorial was also conducted after the Activity. With a well-defined Y2 roadmap in place, the RAISE Program is poised to achieve greater impact, ensuring that its initiatives remain focused, sustainable, and responsive to its goals.

To track the progress of the program implementation, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) initiated the Regional Year 1 Semi-annual Review and site visit of the Caraga RAISE Program, held from July 2-4, 2024, at NEMSU, ASSCAT, and CSU, respectively. 

During the review, project leaders presented their semi-annual reports, which included a consolidated scoreboard of the project's progress and an outline of the challenges faced during the initial implementation period. 

Following these presentations, representatives from DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, Ms. Lucy Lastimosa, Assistant Director, and Ms. Kariza Gemeniano, Region 13 Focal, meticulously examined the data and emphasized the importance of meeting the Year 1 targets, offering constructive feedback to help address any issues.

The DOST-PCAARRD TTPD representatives expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the research team and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting future initiatives for program implementation.

via: MVVergara

The day began with a courtesy call to Dr. Nemesio G. Loayon, NEMSU President, followed by a message from Prof. Rolly G. Salvaleon, VP for Research and Extension.

Reports were presented by each project leaders from ASSCAT, NEMSU, and CSU. Core staffs of RAISE Program, led by Prof. Kenneth L. Ciudad, participated in the review alongside the Director for Research and Publication Services of ASSCAT, Prof. Michael M. Sabugaa and Caraga Consortium for AANR Research and Development  Director, Dr. Raquel M. Balanay.

The program would like to extend its gratitude to the Host Project, RAISE Project 1A - IPTBM, headed by Engr. Luzminda S. Bacquial, for the warm welcome and hospitality. 

The meeting facilitated constructive feedback and strategic planning for future initiatives of the RAISE Program in Caraga.