The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) with Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) during the Year 1 performance review, presentation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the “S&T Community-based Project on 'Lakatan' Banana Production in Abra” project on February 9, 2026. (Image credit: ASIST)
A project on lakatan banana production completed its first year of implementation in Abra.
The “S&T Community-based Project on ‘Lakatan’ Banana Production in Abra,” aims to promote the use of tissue-culture lakatan through S&T community-based farms, increase beneficiaries’ income, and sustain the Lakatan production in Abra through the development of policy inputs on productivity, profitability, and sustainability with partner local government units (LGUs). It is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented by the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST).
With the completion of the Year 1 project implementation, DOST-PCAARRD and ASIST conducted the Year 1 performance review and site visits of the project on February 9, 2026. The project is led by Dr. Nero M. Padres of ASIST.
Present in the activity are ASIST University President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza, Jr.; Director for Research and Development Dr. Pablo B. Bose Jr.; Project Leader Dr. Paderes; Ms. Nathalia Grace Bigornia; Ms. Kae Ann P. Balingit; Ms. Tiffany Kait S. Manangbao; Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Extension and Deployment Section Head Dr. Engelbert R. Lalican; Dr. Diana Rose P. Cabello; and Ms. Maria Althea T. Bautista.
DOST-PCAARRD and ASIST officials and staff during the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the “S&T Community-based Project on 'Lakatan' Banana Production in Abra” project sites on February 9, 2026. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD and ASIST closely coordinate with the partner LGUs in Abra in monitoring and evaluating the Lakatan banana project sites.
Through the STCBF project, Lakatan banana production helps provide an additional source of livelihood and increase the income of farmers.
The satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) BU facility at the Bicol University Regional Entrepreneurship and Productivity Center (BUREPC). (Image credit: Satellite SERDAC BU project team)
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.
Project inception meeting held last December 11, 2025 with representatives from the project team (BU) and SERD, IDD, and OED-ARMSS of DOST-PCAARRD. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
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).
Satellite SERDAC BU facility room at the BUREPC. (Image credit: Satellite SERDAC BU project team)
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.
Ang bangus ay paboritong ulam ng mga Pilipino. Noong 2022, umabot sa halos 500,000 metriko toneladang (t) bangus ang nakunsumo ng Pilipinas. Ayon sa datos, tinatayang higit sa 300 bilyong semilya ng bangus o ‘fry’ ang kailangan upang masiguro ang suplay ng bangus sa bansa.
Ngunit tuwing sasapit ang taglamig, bumababa ang suplay ng mga semilya ng bangus. Ang malamig na klima ay nakakapababa ng bilang ng pangingitlog ng mga ‘broodstock’ o inahing bangus. Ito ay nagreresulta ng mababang suplay ng bangus sa panahon ng anihan.
Para masigurado ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng bangus, gumawa ang Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) ay gumawa ng proyektong tinatawag na ‘Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Hatchery Management of Milkfish’ o HATCH. Ang proyektong ito ay pinangunahan ni Engr. Glen Espena at pinondohan ng Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources ng DOST (DOST-PCAARRD).
Set-up ng HATCH sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Fisheries Development Center in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. (Image credit: DOST-MIRDC Project team)
Ang HATCH ay sagot sa problema ng mga halimhiman o ‘hatcheries’ ng bangus tuwing may pagbabago ng klima at panahon. Gumagamit ang HATCH ng ‘thermal manipulation’ upang masiguro ang temperatura ng mga tangke ng broodstock ng bangus. Nasa 29°C ang pinakamainam na temperatura sa pangingitlog ng bangus.
Napapanatili ng HATCH ang temperatura sa pamamagitan ng ‘Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).’ Ang RAS ay may mga naka-angkop na ‘heat pump,’ ‘electric heater,’ at ‘automated water quality control and monitoring system’ upang makagawa ng angkop na kalagayan para sa pagpapalahi at pagpaparami ng mga bangus.
Mas pinadali rin ng HATCH ang pagsusubaybay ng mga hatcheries gamit ang mga nakakabit na ‘sensors’ dito. Ang mga ito ay sumusubaybay sa mga kalidad ng tubig gaya ng lebel ng ‘oxygen,’ alat, at ‘pH level.’
Pinaliwanag ni Engr. Bjay Latigo, project staff, ang mga features ng HATCH kay Dr. Fortunato Dela Peña, dating DOST Secretary noong NSTW 2025. (Image credit: Rizza Ramoran)
Kung sakaling hindi angkop ang kalidad ng tubig, ay kusang iaakma ng HATCH ang mga ito upang maitama sa pamantayan. Ang mga datos sa HATCH ay masusubayan ng mga kawani gamit ang isang ‘web-based application o app.’
Instant ‘Ginisang Munggo’ and Instant Mung Bean Noodles of Mang Bean Food Products (Image credit: Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 2)
Maaari nang matikman ng mga mahihilig sa munggo ang ‘instant’ Ginisang Munggo at ‘Mung Bean Noodles’ ng Mang Bean Food Products sa Metro Manila at Central Luzon.
Inilunsad ang Mang Bean Food Products noong 2017 upang matulungan ang mga magsasaka at ‘processors’ sa Cabatuan, Isabela sa pagproseso ng labis na suplay ng munggo na maaari nilang mapag-kuhanan ng karagdagang kita. Noong 2020, inilipat ng Department of Agriculture – Cagayan Valley Research Center (DA-CVRC) ang Mang Bean Food Products sa Farmers Land Owners and Workers (FLOW) ng Pariir Agriculture Cooperative sa Cabatuan upang pataasin ang produksyon ng mga nasabing produkto.
Ang ‘market expansion’ o ang pagpapakilala ng produkto sa mga lugar na labas sa orihinal na merkado nito ay ginawang posible sa pamamagitan ng proyektong, “The ‘Black Gold’ Magic: Expanding Market Reach and Opportunities for Mang Bean Instant Ginisang Munggo and Noodles Food Products,” ng DA-CVRC. Layunin ng proyekto na paunlarin at palawakin ang merkado ng Instant Ginisang Munggo at Instant Mung Bean Noodles ng Mang Bean Food Products.
Tumaas din ang produksyon ng Mang Bean Food Products matapos ipasa ang mga pasilidad at kagamitang nagkakahalaga ng P2.5 milyon noong 2022 mula sa DA Regional Field Office 02 (DA-RFO 02). Sa pagtaas ng produksyon, mas masu-suportahan ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at processors ng munggo. Lumawak din ang merkado ng FLOW ng Pariir Agriculture Cooperative sa apat na rehiyon kabilang ang Central Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, at Ilocos Region.
Isinagawa ng pagpapaunlad ng produkto, karagdagang promosyon ang haharapin
Upang masimulan ang pagpapalawak ng merkado sa Metro Manila at Central Luzon, sinuri ng proyekto ang mga potensyal na mamimili ng Mang Bean products sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng mga ‘focus group discussions’ at ‘survey.’ Sa pamamagitan ng gawaing ito, mas pinagbuti ang proseso ng pagbabalot, pangalan ng mga produkto, at mga prosesong nakakabit sa paggawa ng produkto, kasama ang ‘dough processing,’ ‘noodle cooking,’ at ‘seasoning.’ Ang resulta ng isinagawang ‘Training Needs Assessment’ (TNA) ay nag-udyok na magsagawa ng mga pagsasanay sa ‘strategic marketing,’ ‘machinery maintenance,’ at ‘marketing communications’ sa mga miyembro ng Pariir Agriculture Cooperative.
Inirerekomenda ng proyektong mas mapatibay pa ang presensya nito sa merkado sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga mamimili, pagpapalawak ng barayti ng mga produkto, at pagpapahusay ng ‘branding’ at ‘targeted advertising.’ Maa-ari ring gamitin ang ‘digital marketing’ at ‘e-commerce’ upang mas mapaghusay pa ang promosyon sa mga mamimili at mga posibleng kasama sa negosyo.
Ang proyektong ito ay nagkamit ng pangatlong pwesto sa ‘Best R&D Paper Award - Development Category’ sa nakaraang National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).
Sa pangunguna ng DOST-PCAARRD taun-taon, ang NSAARRD ay kumikilala ng mga namumukod-tanging kontribusyon sa pananaliksik at pagpapaunlad sa sektor ng agrikultura, akwatika, at likas na yaman sa bansa.
Mga kalahok ng paglunsad ng FARM Philippines Project mula sa DOST, PCAARRD, UNIDO, HIL, at partner agencies. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Inilunsad kamakailan ang 'Philippine component' ng proyektong, "Promoting Eco-friendly Crop Protection Solutions for Persistent Organic Pollutants and Highly Hazardous Pesticides Reduction in Asia" o FARM Philippines Project na naglalayong magtatag ng ‘sustainable financing,’ ‘investment and incentive mechanisms’ sa pormulasyon, produksyon, at aplikasyon ng ‘eco-friendly crop protection solutions’ upang bawasan ang ‘persistent organic pollutants (POPs)’ at ‘highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs)’ at mapabuti ang hanapbuhay, ‘food safety,’ at ma-proteksyonan ang kalusugan at kapaligiran.
Ang FARM Philippines ay proyektong pinangangasiwaan ng Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) kasama ang United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation (PARRFI), at Hindustan India Ltd (HIL). Inilunsad ang FARM Philippines sa DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center noong ika-12 ng Nobyembre sa pamamagitan ng isang ‘hybrid set-up’ na dinaluhan ng iba’t ibang kalahok mula sa Pilipinas at India.
Parte ng ‘global initiative’ sa ‘Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM)’ ang proyekto na pinondohan ng Global Environment Facility (GEF). Ito ay isinasagawa ng United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sa pitong bansa – Kenya, India, Pilipinas, Uruguay, Ecuador, Laos, at Vietnam. Ang Philippine component ay parte ng regional project kasama ng HIL.
Itinampok din ang pagpirma upang ipahayag ang kapasiyahan sa sarili o ‘commitment’ ng mga kasamang mga ahensya at organisasyon katulad ng Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI), Visayan Agricultural Innovation Incorporated, at University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) na kinatawan ni UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr.
Project partners mula sa UNIDO, HIL, at DOST-PCAARRD. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Nagpahayag rin ng mensahe ukol sa kahalagahan ng proyekto si Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director ng DOST-PCAARRD.
Nagkaroon naman ng ‘Joint Project Steering Committee Meeting’ at ‘Project Workshop’ kasama ang UNIDO, India, at Philippine partners upang matalakay ang mga ‘implementation priorities and harmonize activities’ matapos ilunsad ng nasabing proyekto.
