Strengthening the Philippines' Agri-fishery RDE System: A Case Study of a Public Coordinating Agency as a Bridging Organization

Authors

• Cynthia Remedios V. De Guia, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PhilippinesFollow
• Luis Rey I. Velasco, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
• Maria Faina L. Diola, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippine agricultural research, development, and extension (RDE) system has long struggled to live up to its ideals. Decades after the passage of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act (AFMA), the RDE system was reported to have failed to innovate, largely because it failed to translate research into development outcomes. This has resulted from persistent gaps in knowledge exchange, institutional linkages, and collaboration among system actors. In fragmented systems, meaningful interaction and trust seldom emerge spontaneously, making bridging mechanisms necessary. Bridging organizations (BOs) play this role by connecting multiple and diverse actors, mediating relationships, enabling knowledge flows, and enhancing capacities that support innovation processes. Despite this, BOs remain understudied, particularly from an innovation system perspective; thus, the study emphasizes ongoing efforts to investigate them. This study addresses this gap by assessing a Philippine public agricultural R&D coordinating agency through the BO lens. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design with purposively selected participants, the results showed that, despite the bridging functions performed, several institutional innovations still need to be created given the scale and complexity of agriculture RDE coordination challenges. As demand for outcomes and impact grows, tangible institutional innovations are needed, particularly digital platforms and information systems that make RDE information publicly accessible. This is deemed critical to facilitate knowledge exchanges, minimize research duplication, and enable more coherent RDE investments within the country.

Recommended Citation

De Guia, Cynthia Remedios V.; Velasco, Luis Rey I.; and Diola, Maria Faina L. (2026) "Strengthening the Philippines' Agri-fishery RDE System: A Case Study of a Public Coordinating Agency as a Bridging Organization," Journal of Public Affairs and Development: Vol. 12: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/jpad/vol12/iss1/2