In a decisive move toward digitizing provincial agriculture, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), in partnership with the DOST 5 Project SARAI Bicol, commenced a four-day intensive training-workshop titled “Agricultural Monitoring Using Project SARAI – CL SEAMS” on February 24, 2026.
The workshop focuses on “Building Skills in Mapping with QGIS,” a Geographic Information System software essential for precision farming. This technical empowerment initiative follows the recent signing of a landmark tripartite partnership aimed at shielding Masbate’s agricultural sector from climate-related risks through data-driven strategies.
The training has drawn a diverse cohort of participants, including representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Masbate City, Mandaon, Cawayan, and Mobo.
They are joined by a robust academic participants from DEBESMSCAT, featuring faculty and students from the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biosystems Engineering, the College of Computing and Information Technology, and the College of Business, Tourism, and Economics.
Dr. Rodolfo B Burac Jr., DEBESMSCAT Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, opened the proceedings with welcome remarks that emphasized the institution’s commitment to science-based agricultural solutions. His message was bolstered by Ms. Josie D. Albao, DOST Provincial Director for PSTO Masbate, and Engr. Domingo A. Peña, the Focal Person for Project SARAI Bicol and Provincial Director of DOST Albay, who both underscored the necessity of localized data in building climate-resilient communities.
The technical sessions were spearheaded by Engr. Jeffry J. Arevalo, a DOST Project Technical Specialist and GIS expert. Engr. Arevalo provided the training rationale and objectives, outlining how the outputs—ranging from digital maps to monitoring protocols—will be utilized by the LGUs. He also led the first instructional session, providing an foundational introduction to the QGIS interface.
Furthering the technical orientation, Ms. Hannah D. Salazar discussed the critical aspects of Project SARAI Intellectual Property Rights, ensuring participants understand the legal framework of the technologies they are adopting. The practical laboratory sessions for the first day were handled by Mr. Cidrick E. Anza, who guided the participants through software installation, handling vector data, and the intricate process of creating digital basemaps.
This training serves as a core component of the broader Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) framework. By teaching local stakeholders how to use satellite data and community-level monitoring systems, the project aims to transform traditional farming into a modern, resilient industry.
The workshop is scheduled to run until Friday, February 27, 2026. To successfully complete the program, all participants are expected to submit a finalized mapping output that demonstrates their ability to monitor local agricultural lands using the CL SEAMS (Community-Level SARAI Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System) methodology.
Ladies and gentlemen,
