The Philippine Embassy in Seoul reported to the Department that the Department of Science and Technology arranged a study visit for the members of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development in Seoul, from 21-26 April 2008.

The study tour which was led by Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council Chairperson and President of Bicol University, included visits to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and other various Korean government agencies, research and development institutions, and science and technology academies as part of their continuing education program to carry out its vision and mandate to facilitate the development of local and other adoptable innovations and technologies on a sustained basis for competitive agriculture, forestry and natural resources sectors. The visiting delegation included eight members of the policy making body of PCAARD’s Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC), who are mostly presidents of state universities. The study visit aimed to understand Korea’s program and strategies on managing technologies and innovations such as identification of development strategies, marketing, utilization, and continuous improvement even after the product has gained a foothold in the market. Ambassador Cruz said that the study visit will help improve the current research and technology management practices and activities in the Philippines.