As part of a significant step towards advancing agricultural productivity in Central Luzon, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III (DOST-Central Luzon) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU) formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the collaborative project titled “Development of a Holistic Smart Agriculture System Synergizing Locally-Developed Smart Technologies to Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Competitiveness”.
The signing took place on September 11, 2024 at Widus Hotel, Clark, Pampanga, during the 6th Regional Stakeholders event titled “Building Smart and Resilient Filipino Communities through Sustainable ICT Innovations.”
Dr. Marvin Cinense, PhilSCAT Director representing University President Evaristo A. Abella, and Mr. Romeolito Tacbian on behalf of DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, officially signed the said MOA.
With funding of more than two million pesos from the DOST III Regional Grants-In-Aid Program, the project aims to establish a centralized smart agriculture platform that intends to integrate various smart agriculture technologies, including locally developed systems.
By using data-driven approaches, real-time weather data, precision farming techniques, and commodity forecasting, it will enhance farming decisions, optimize resources, and provide technical advisories to farmers and stakeholders.
The project will also address critical challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and the need for sustainable farming practices, and is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity in Central Luzon and beyond.
Dr. Cinense emphasized the significance of this collaboration, highlighting its potential to modernize local farming practices and provide farmers with the necessary tools to address climate-related challenges.
“The goal of the project is to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture, ultimately contributing to food security and economic development in the region,” he added.
This activity marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between DOST III and CLSU, both of which are committed to leveraging science and technology for the benefit of the Philippine agricultural sector.
