Four new project sites of the Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) program will be established in various state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, and Cavite.
SciCAT aims to design and implement an effective functional relationship among existing enterprises and institutional enablers characterizing both the cluster idea, methodology, and branding of the said program. SciCAT is an initiative of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The four project sites are located at the:
- Cagayan State University - Sanchez Mira Campus (CSU-Sanchez Mira);
- Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU);
- Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU); and
- Cavite State University (CvSU).
The projects located at CSU-Sanchez Mira promote agro-tourism through living models, innovation, and rural advancement (PALMIRA) through the transfer of CSU-developed and adopted technologies to target markets through PALMIRA as a one-stop agrotourism hub in Northern Luzon.
Meanwhile, the MMSU SciCAT project focuses on Tourism and Agriculture for Learning and Outstanding Networks (T.A.L.O.N). The TALON acronym is also an Iloco term for a farm, a home-playground for a hardworking and resilient Ilocano farmer, and a source of daily food for a family. At MMSU, T.A.L.O.N. is a farm tourism model site for teaching, learning, research, and extension.
Further, the SciCAT project at PSAU explores the learning innovation for the betterment and utilization of technology advancement (LIBUTAD) agritourism plat that integrates PSAU’s agri-aqua sector with tourism and community partnerships through knowledge and technology transfer.
Lastly, the SciCAT project in Magallanes, Cavite transforms the LGU-based Agri Tourism Hub into a science and technology-based tourism site through sustainable farm development and technology application with the assistance of CvSU.
DOST-PCAARRD and the University of the Philippines ISSI assessed the SciCAT project sites on January 14, 15, 28, and February 5, 2026, respectively. The activity allowed the collaborating agencies to assess the project sites for the needed development and improvements of the areas.
Through the SciCAT program, various technology transfer initiatives are possible through sustainable farm development and agri-tourism promotion.