The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) is set to collaborate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the implementation of Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) — a science-based initiative led by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) that aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural resilience through technology and innovation.
Since its inception in 2013, Project SARAI has deployed science-based cropping systems and protocols to help Filipino farmers mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance productivity. The project is being implemented nationwide through the SARAI Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNRO) in partnership with DOST regional offices to ensure that its technologies and services reach local farmers across the country.
In Masbate, Project SARAI will be implemented in the municipalities of Mandaon, Mobo, and Cataingan, in partnership with DEBESMSCAT and the DOST Regional Office V. The initiative seeks to introduce modern agricultural decision-support systems to local farmers and LGUs, providing them with timely and accurate data for crop monitoring, irrigation scheduling, pest management, and yield forecasting.
Representing DEBESMSCAT, Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, Innovation, Creative Works, and Knowledge Management Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr., who is currently the Officer-in-Charge of the College, met with DOST personnel to discuss the partnership and future collaboration plans.
The DOST delegation included Cidrick E. Anza, Project Technical Assistant III and GIS Expert; Engr. Jeffrey J. Arevalo, Project Technical Specialist III and SARAI Region V Project Leader; and Engr. Hannah D. Salazar, SARAI Regional Alternate Focal.
Among the project’s key technologies is the Community-Level SARAI-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS), which provides real-time and site-specific crop monitoring using Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to determine crop characteristics, monitor growth stages, assess damage from calamities, and detect possible pest infestations.
The Water Advisory for Irrigation Scheduling System (WAISS) offers site- and crop-specific irrigation recommendations through soil moisture sensors and SMS-based advisories to help farmers manage water use efficiently. Another vital tool is the Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTECH), a mobile application that identifies and reports crop pests and diseases. Additionally, the BanaTech or Banana Harvest Date Calculator assists farmers in determining the optimal harvest period for banana crops, particularly Lakatan and Saba/Cardaba varieties.
Project SARAI also operates a Knowledge Hub that consolidates data, advisories, and tools for farmers, extension workers, and agriculturists. The platform provides access to rainfall outlooks, weather forecasts, crop advisories, webinars, and real-time monitoring systems that support data-driven farm management.
Through this collaboration, DEBESMSCAT reaffirms its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation in Masbate and supporting local farmers toward climate-resilient, sustainable, and technology-driven farming practices.
Ladies and gentlemen,
