NRCP research points to integrated approaches for safer, more resilient food production at 10th BRS

Published October 23, 2026 under Features, General Posts, News and Updates. By nrcp_admin1. 105 views.

Ensuring food safety while keeping farms productive requires attention to soil conditions, crop and animal health, biological risks, and food handling.

Researchers from the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) tackled how integrated approaches can strengthen the agricultural sector at the 10th Annual Basic Research Symposium (BRS) held on August 27, 2026, marking its decade milestone. The symposium was held in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

Six NRCP researchers from the Agriculture and Forestry, Medical Sciences, and Biological Sciences divisions presented studies addressing concerns across the food production system.

Carrying the theme, “Cultivating Resilience: Integrating Soil, Crops, and Livestock for Food Security,” the symposium highlighted how research from different disciplines can contribute to safer, more sustainable agriculture.

The studies examined food-safety risks in farm environments, agricultural resources, and animal production. Others focused on soil and crop management, plant responses to beneficial microorganisms, and biological approaches to crop and livestock production.

Following the presentations, three reactors from DA-PhilRice and the Philippine Carabao Center shared expert insights on the research findings. They recommended stronger monitoring of pests, pathogens and other sources of contamination to identify and address risks before food reaches consumers. The reactors also cited the potential of beneficial microorganisms and other biological resources as additional options for crop and animal production.

A poster exhibit featuring 13 research posters also complemented the discussions, highlighting research on food safety and resilient agriculture.

The health and safety concerns and opportunities for improving food production examined in the studies show how agricultural issues can intersect. Addressing these concerns and advancing agricultural innovation can require expertise from more than one field.

Keynote speaker Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., Regular Member of the NRCP Division of Agriculture and Forestry and president of Nueva Vizcaya State University, emphasized the need to connect knowledge on soil, crops, and livestock with practical concerns in agriculture and food security.

Dumale also highlighted the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary research.

Dumale also noted that bringing together different disciplines and involving farming communities can help ensure that research responds to conditions in agriculture and addresses concerns that cannot be solved by one field alone. (Rose Dagupen//S&T Media Services)