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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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CLSU, DA Inaugurate Center for Precision and Digital Agriculture

May. 06, 2022

Stratcom | SCO

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the leadership of President Edgar A. Orden and Dr. Armando N. Espino Jr, Vice President for Research and Extension, inaugurated today the Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiCt).   The Center, funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), was established to harness the different smart-farming technologies developed by the CLSU researchers. President Orden, in his welcome remarks, recognized the support of the DA in the establishment of PreDiCt which provides CLSU another avenue to further its leadership in the field of agricultural technology. “CLSU has been put in the forefront in contributing to a better and more sustainable future under the Sustainable Development Goals 2, Zero Hunger as our goal is towards food sufficiency. I am proud to say that our university stays true to its commitment of generating new technologies to help the lives of the community,” said President Orden. Dr. William D. Dar, DA Secretary along with other DA officials from the different attached agencies/ bureaus graced the event.  In his keynote speech, Secretary Dar thanked and congratulated the leadership of CLSU for accepting, responding, and delivering the PreDiCt project to its current state today. “I am happy because whenever CLSU is given with responsibility to implement programs like this, they always deliver,” said Secretary Dar. In addition, Dr. Dar challenged CLSU as a leader in the Science City Community, to facilitate the synergies between and among the R&D agencies in agriculture, and for CLSU to make use of its resources such as utilizing PreDiCt as the central repository of all the technologies being generated that are related to smart agriculture. “We are partnering with higher education institutions like CLSU not only to achieve excellence but also to stay relevant and provide impact in the community with innovations and technologies, and eventually raise the agriculture productivity of the whole country,” Secretary Dar added. During the program, Dr. Espino also presented the different DA-funded programs and projects implemented at CLSU from 2018-present with a total grant amounting to 436 million pesos. As project proponent of PreDiCt, Dr. Espino emphasized the role of the Center in addressing the problem of the growing population, and limited land and water supply through precision and digital agriculture which promises more productive and more efficient use of time and resources.  The event was culminated with a field demonstration and facility tour at the PreDiCt greenhouse featuring the vertical tower garden and Dutch bucket hydroponics system with automated irrigation.

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CLSU, PEJ ink Partnership to Strengthen University Research Publication Visibility

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CLSU Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

To showcase the latest findings and technologies in Cacao, the Central Luzon State University held the Cacao TALKS (Transforming Agriculture through Livelihoods, Knowledge and Sustainability) 2026: A Cacao Value Chain Conference on March 11, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. The conference convened over 120 cacao farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with more than 1,000 views on Facebook Live, synchronizing efforts to elevate the Philippine cacao value chain. The event was made possible under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project titled “Productivity, Technical Efficiency, and Competitiveness of the Cacao Value Chain in the Philippines” led by Dr. Edilyn V. Lansangan, which aimed to transition the industry from traditional farming to a technology-driven, market-competitive sector. During the opening program, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the presence of stakeholders reflects a collective drive to position cacao as one of the primary engines for rural development. “Today's conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of stakeholders, from farmers and researchers to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Cacao Value Chain and unlocking the vast potential of Cacao as a driver of sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and rural development.” A high-level technical session featured industry leaders and researchers who addressed the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) President Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia and Dr. Divina M. Amalin of De La Salle University headlined a panel that covered national industry status, and the potential of cacao in the market. In addition, experts from CLSU, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Mindanao, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) discussed advanced pest management and the integration of modern agricultural techniques. Beyond production, the conference bridged the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. Ms. Eva Ritchelle D. Padua, owner of The Dulce Chocolate House, provided an entrepreneurial perspective through presenting a developed product from cacao. The event also featured a technology demonstration held at PHilMech. The event is spearheaded by CLSU together with PCIC/Philippine Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (PCIA), PhilMech, UPLB, DOST-PCAARRD, and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC). #SievingForExcellence

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