President’s Note: Harnessing genomics and innovation to unlock the full potential of root crops

Greetings of peace and solidarity to everyone, especially to the VSU key officials; the 6th VSU President and former Director of the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin; former Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Anabella Tulin; retired faculty members who are the pillars of the PhilRootcrops; the current PhilRootcrops Director, Mr. Marlon Tambis; our partners from the National Seed Industry-Bureau of Plant Industry, and National Cooperative Testing; PhilRootcrops faculty and staff, guests who are joining us, a pleasant Thursday morning. 

Welcome to the 48th Anniversary of the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center! It is truly a pleasure to join you here as we celebrate nearly five decades of groundbreaking research and technological advancements dedicated to the development of root crops in the Philippines. 

Our theme this year, “48 years of Digging Deeper: Unlocking the New Potentials of Root Crops through Genomics,” is all about our pursuit of scientific innovation. We are not here to just look back at our achievements but to take bold steps toward the future of root crop research and development. 

Visayas State University takes pride in being one of the country’s leading institutions in agriculture, science and technology, research, and innovation. As an agricultural university, we recognize the importance of root crops in shaping food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable farming practices. These crops have been a staple in Filipino households that provide nourishment, resilience against climate change, and opportunities for economic growth. 

One of the most significant milestones we mark this year is the launching of the PhilRootcrops Genomics Laboratory. This facility represents a major leap in our ability to improve root crop varieties at a molecular level. With DNA barcoding and fingerprinting technologie, we are now equipped to conduct advanced varietal characterization to accelerate the development of higher-yielding, more disease-resistant, and climate-resilient root crops. 

Alongside this, we are also introducing our web-based database of root crop varieties and accessions. This digital platform will expand access to critical information for researchers, farmers, and industry partners, no matter where they are. 

One of the most activities in line with this celebration is the Workshop on the Development of Special Purpose Varieties. For many years, the primary focus of varietal selection has been on yield performance, often overlooking the specific needs of different consumer groups and market segments. More than about production, agriculture is about feeding people, addressing concerns on food security and nutrition, supporting industries, and responding to the preferences of consumers. Through this workshop, we are shifting our approach to be more consumer-centered to make sure that the varieties we develop are aligned with market demand, food processing requirements, and local culinary traditions. 

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us recognize that scientific progress is only meaningful when it reaches the hands of those who need it the most–our farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. Research should not remain in laboratories or academic journals, it must translate into real-world impact. That is why we are further pushing the boundaries of innovation to promote meaningful partnerships to continue empowering those who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. 

As Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican once said, “Scientific advancements in agriculture must always be geared towards uplifting the lives of farmers and ensuring a sustainable food system for generations to come.”

On behalf of the entire VSU academic community, and PhilRootcrops, I welcome you all to this milestone celebration. Thank you and I wish everyone a productive and engaging event. 

This speech is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action, and; SDG 17: Partnership for Goals.

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