Data analytics remains an essential tool in the evolving research landscape, especially in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, where evidence-based decision-making is vital. Strengthened institutional support for research centers specializing in data analytics enables researchers to produce data-driven studies that inform policies, programs, and development initiatives.
Recognizing this growing need, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continues to strengthen research capabilities nationwide through dedicated support for data analytics satellite centers. This includes the initiative, “Improvement of the Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) in Bicol University (BU).”
Led by Project Leader Ilona Matias, the project aims to enhance the satellite center’s capacity to provide technical services to its clientele in Region 5 and other nearby regions. Through upgraded facilities and access to advanced analytical tools and resources, the center is expected to support data-driven research and socio-economic analysis in the region's AANR sector.
During the project’s inception meeting on December 11, 2025, project staff member, Dr. Erwin Torres, presented key accomplishments, visions, and upcoming activities of the center. One of the major achievements is the transfer of the center to the BUREPC in the main campus. It aims to be part of a one-stop shop alongside the university’s technology and business incubation hub and other statistical laboratories, catering to students, researchers, and external clients.
The ongoing improvement of the SERDAC at BU reflects DOST-PCAARRD’s ongoing efforts to advance data analytics in socio-economic research, particularly in regions where AANR play a vital role in economic development. As the center enhances its capabilities, it is gearing up to become a leader in providing data-driven insights in Region 5, supporting research, policy-making, and decision-making in the AANR sector.
DOST-PCAARRD currently supports a network of data analytics centers, which includes one main Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Laboratory (SERDAL) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); three main SERDACs situated at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Visayas State University (VSU), and University of Southern Philippines (USeP); and four satellite SERDACs established at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Bicol University (BU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
Through these initiatives, DOST-PCAARRD continues to promote a data-driven research ecosystem, ensuring that national research efforts are supported by strong data analytics capabilities to build a future-ready and resilient research environment.