In a heartfelt effort to weave science into the fabric of local life, Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo de los Reyes has teamed up with Biliran Province State University’s School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (BiPSU-SABFoRM) for a series of field visits across Biliran from June 4 to 13.

As part of his month-long engagement with BiPSU, Dr. de los Reyes is leading efforts to uncover R&D opportunities tailored to the unique context of Biliran, while also enhancing the university’s academic programs in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.

“This is a strategic action towards our becoming of an internationally recognized university responsive to the needs of the local and global communities,” University President Prof. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr. stated.

The journey kicked off on June 3 with an abaca planting activity at the BiPSU Biliran Campus held with a partner institution, followed by discussions between the Balik Scientist and program chairs of BS Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. 

On June 4, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted an orientation on the Balik Scientist program, and a roundtable discussion for BiPSU faculty focused on research proposal submissions.

Field visits and validations occurred in the Municipalities of Almeria and Caibiran to identify researchable agricultural issues, including a visit to the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services Office of Biliran.

Moreover, the Balik Scientist team also met with the Caucab Forest Savers Association to plan biodiversity conservation and visited the Mamanwa Tribe to assess community needs. The group, led by Dr. Randy Villarin, Dean of the SABFoRM, evaluated poultry and livestock operations at Canaan Hill Farms for potential research and development opportunities.

On Monday, June 9, the said program team conducted a site visit in Barangay Sanggalang, Biliran, Biliran where they examined a mangrove plantation managed by a local People’s Organization—one of the university’s community extension partners under the Department of Forest Science.

Discussions during the said visit focused on environmental research and sustainable livelihood initiatives for the local community.

Also, the team assessed the mangrove ecosystem at the BiPSU Biliran Lower Campus, identifying promising research areas related to mangrove and biodiversity conservation.

Another key stop was at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Biliran, where the group discussed integrating cacao and coffee production into agroforestry systems under the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) framework. These initiatives align with the priority crops identified by the DOST-PCAARRD.

The site visits likewise included the Tilapia Hatchery in Naval, Biliran, overseen by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), wherein the group explored potential research collaborations focused on inland aquatic resource development, another key area under DOST-PCAARRD’s agenda.

“I thank DOST and Dr. de los Reyes for this rare opportunity entrusted to BiPSU Biliran Campus,” shared Dr. Villarin.

Moving forward, Dr. de los Reyes and BiPSU will continue to pursue strategies to align the university and the province with national and global research standards.

Upcoming initiatives include participation in the Regional Abaca Coalition Meeting, a curriculum review, and a workshop on research proposal development and packaging, all aimed at strengthening BiPSU’s R&D capacity.

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[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 15: Life on Land, No. 14: Life Below Water, No. 2: Zero Hunger, No. 4: Quality Education, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]