Members of the SIGLA team with UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. and ARMRD OIC of DOST-PCAARRD, Ms. Maria Teresa L. De Guzman, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
An indoor farm using artificial lighting for growing leafy vegetables was developed at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The Sustainable Indoor Farm for Growing Leafy Vegetables using Artificial Lighting (SIGLA) is a modular, weatherproof vertical farm developed to promote urban agriculture. It aims to increase access to high-value leafy vegetables in industrial and urban areas.
“This facility is more than just a space for growing food; it is a living proof of how vertical farming can revolutionize our approach to food production,” said Dr. Ronaldo B. Saludes, project leader of SIGLA.
UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho expressed his support for the project. According to him, “the SIGLA Modular Farm stands as a shining example of sustainable indoor farming, equipped with advanced technologies, controlled environment systems, and energy-efficient lighting.”
Inside the SIGLA Modular Farm. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
According to Dr. Saludes, plants grown in indoor vertical farms need essential resources such as water, carbon dioxide, light, nutrients, and electricity. The sustainability and efficiency of the production system are based on the assessment of the resource use efficiency, economic viability, and carbon footprint.
Some of the leafy greens grown as part of the cropping trials were Batavia Jonction lettuce, Lalique Crystal lettuce, Lollo Rosso (red) lettuce, Arugula, Swiss chard, Mizuna, and Kale. The SIGLA Modular Farm at UPLB will serve as a demonstration site for the establishment of community-based indoor vertical farms with integrated solar panels.
Currently, the UPLB project team is conducting a resource-use efficiency analysis to determine how the SIGLA modular farm effectively utilizes its resources, such as water, energy light, crop nutrients, and land surface. A carbon footprint and cost-benefit analysis are also underway.
Kale grown inside the SIGLA Modular Farm. (Image credit: ARMRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The design and development of SIGLA was made possible through the funding support of the Philippines-Korea Joint Research Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Improvements to the design and operation of SIGLA were also supplemented through a benchmarking activity of commercial modular farms in the Philippines and South Korea and cropping trials of selected high-value leafy greens.
In addition, the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) provided the performance and testing of the project.
Investing in indoor vertical farming can help address food insecurity, especially in urban areas. In a message, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora says that ‘DOST-PCAARRD recognizes the potential of this technology in offering a sustainable and environment-friendly solution for production.’
Project Leader Rowena Benavides presenting the key objectives and implementation plans to stakeholders during the project launch and ALCAMS training. (Image credit: Alexander John D. Borja, DOST-PCAARRD)
With the growing climate risks affecting the livelihood of the local communities in Maguindanao, a project was launched to enhance climate resiliency through the establishment of native tree and fruit tree-based agroforestry farms in barren and sloping areas.
In partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños - Institute of Agroforestry (UPLB-IAF), the project, “Enhancing Climate Resilience through Native Tree and Fruit Tree-based Agroforestry Technology: A Science and Technology-Based Initiative for Emergencies and Hazards in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao,” is being implemented by the Mindanao State University (MSU). It is being funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Key stakeholders including MSU officials, faculty, staff, and students from MSU Maguindanao, MSU Naawan, and MSU Buug gathered during the project launch at MSU Maguindanao.
During her welcome remarks, MSU Maguindanao Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas emphasized the project’s significance. “This project is a milestone for MSU Maguindanao as it not only addresses climate change but also strengthens the university’s commitment to science and technology-driven solutions for community resilience,” she stated.
Project Leader Rowena C. Benavides provided an overview of the project. She highlighted its goal of preventing disasters in sloping and barren lands through strategic agroforestry interventions. “This initiative under DOST-PCAARRD’s SAFE (S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards) modality will integrate science-based approaches to promote sustainable agroforestry practices. More than addressing climate change, we aim to improve community livelihoods through these interventions,” she said.
Several key officials of the town also delivered messages expressing their gratitude and support for the project as well as its alignment with the local government’s environmental priorities. These further emphasized the project’s relevance to local governance and environmental conservation.
Representatives from MSU Maguindanao, UPLB-IAF, and DOST-PCAARRD during the project launch and training on ALCAMS for agroforestry land capability assessment. (Image credit: MSU Maguindanao)
For. Judy B. Angkad of the Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Office also expressed her optimism in inspiring other areas in Mindanao to conduct similar efforts. “We hope that this project serves as a model for other LGUs to implement science-based approaches in environmental conservation,” she said.
Following the project launch, the training on Agroforestry Establishment and Development was conducted by UPLB-IAF, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to implement agroforestry projects effectively. The training focused on the Agroforestry Land Capability Assessment and Mapping Scheme (ALCAMS), an essential tool for evaluating land suitability for agroforestry.
On-site training in Barangay Nalkan, Datu Blah Sinsuat provided participants with practical experience in agroforestry site assessment, which covered key aspects including construction and use of equipment for contour mapping crucial for soil and water conservation, observation of existing land use and slope determination for agroforestry planning, and soil fertility assessment using a soil test kit to evaluate nutrient levels and pH balance.
Guided by UPLB-IAF experts, participants engaged in hands-on training on construction and use of an A-frame to identify contour lines. (Image credit: Alexander John D. Borja, DOST-PCAARRD)
The participants also developed their re-entry action plans, which outlined strategies for applying agroforestry techniques in their respective areas. Through the training, participants were provided a deeper understanding of land assessment, agroforestry planning, and climate resilience strategies.
This initiative marks a significant step in integrating science-based agroforestry practices into local climate resilience strategies. The collaboration among DOST-PCAARRD, MSU Maguindanao, and UPLB-IAF underscores the power of science, technology, and community engagement in mitigating environmental hazards while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
In observance of the International Women’s Month, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) proudly recognizes the achievements of the empowered alumni of the Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program. These remarkable women are driving innovation and making significant contributions to the AANR sector, embodying the spirit of the sub-theme of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC): “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Established in 2017, the GREAT program has fostered female leadership in AANR research by providing technical and financial support to 57 female scholars.
[Left] Dr. Katrina S. Luzon. [Right] Dr. Luzon in Sablayan, Mindoro documenting coral colonies for species inventories during one of their regular monitoring assessments. (Image credit: Ms. Princess Mordeno)
Dr. Katrina S. Luzon, Coral Biologist
Dr. Katrina S. Luzon is a Coral Biologist and a researcher at De La Salle University's Br. Alfred Shields Ocean Research (SHORE) Center. She is also part of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute. Under the GREAT Scholarship Program, she earned her doctoral degree in Biology in 2023.
Her dissertation, "Exceptional Reefs of Palawan: Anthropogenic Extinction, Reef Refuge Areas Under Climate Change, and Priority Species for Conservation," identified key coral species and reef areas vulnerable to environmental pressures, emphasizing those requiring urgent protection.
She is the editor-in-chief of "A Handbook of Protocols for the Conduct of Reef Assessments in the Philippines," which received the National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Book Award in 2024. Funded through a DOST-PCAARRD project, the handbook provides essential guidelines for reef assessments in the Philippines.
[Left] Ms. Blair Ann L. Adora. [Right] Ms. Adora spearheads the monitoring of pest and diseases in mango, and collection of samples for laboratory isolation and confirmation. (Image credit: Ms. Lovelyn Areola)
Blair Ann L. Adora, Agricultural Research Specialist
Ms. Blair Ann L. Adora is a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Department of Agriculture-Region 9. She is leading the agency's mango research initiatives as the Station Superintendent. In December 2019, she earned her Master of Science (MS) degree in Plant Pathology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños through the GREAT Scholarship Program. She specializes in the identification and management of fungal diseases among rubber tree leaves that are grown outside common rubber-producing regions.
A pioneering GREAT alumna, Ms. Adora is the recipient of the first GREAT re-entry grant in 2022. Her research, "Management of White Root Rot using Endophytic fungi from the Healthy Roots of Rubber," garnered her the Best Research Paper award at the DOST in-house review in 2024. She was further recognized with the Best Paper award under the Research Category at the 2024 Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights in Zamboanga City.
[Left] Dr. Ronalie Rafael. [Right] Dr. Rafael performing anaerobic plate count for the routine quality testing of the probiotic from onion waste. (Image credit: Mr. Ismael Geroza)
Dr. Ronalie Rafael, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Ronalie B. Rafael is an Associate Professor V at the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine of the Central Luzon State University. Through the GREAT Scholarship Program, she took a MS in Veterinary Medicine, major in Microbiology at UPLB to further her expertise. She focused on developing wet and dry format RT-LAMP assays for the detection of Philippine Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) field strains.
Dr. Rafael's GREAT re-entry project, "Pre-commercialization of Probiotics and Prebiotics from Onion Wastes for Tilapia Culture," demonstrated her commitment to sustainable agriculture by transforming onion waste into valuable probiotics and prebiotics that enhance tilapia production and expand their use in other animal species.
In February 2024, she was elected as the Chairperson of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association’s (PVMA) Council on Continuing Professional Education during the 91st PVMA National Convention and Scientific Conference. She also holds the post as secretary of the Veterinary Education Research, one of the working groups of the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools.
Dr. Rafael is currently pursuing a PhD in Veterinary Science at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, under the DOST-Science Education Institute’s Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program.
[Left] Ms. Nadine B. Coronado. [Right] Ms. Coronado with one of her students at the Institute of Computer Science at UPLB. (Image credit: Mr. Paul Katimbang)
Nadine B. Coronado, Plant Physiologist and Conservation Specialist
Ms. Nadine B. Coronado is an advocate of plant conservation with her notable contribution in the maintenance of Zingiberaceae accessions at the Institute of Crop Science field genebank and the conservation of priority species within the ecologically critical Samar Island Natural Park. She is a proud faculty member of the Institute of Biological Sciences at UPLB.
She earned her Master’s degree in Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Management in January 2023 under the GREAT Scholarship Program. Her outstanding academic achievement was recognized with the Academic Excellence Award, which was presented to the MS graduate who achieved the highest grade weighted average among all graduates of the UPLB Graduate School.
Ms. Coronado's MS degree research, "Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiling of Selected Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Morphotypes from the Philippines," significantly advanced the understanding and utilization of turmeric. By characterizing and evaluating various turmeric morphotypes, she identified potential germplasm with high yield and curcumin content, contributing valuable insights for medicine, economics, and ethnobotany.
[Left] Ms. Dara Clarisse Mae L. Barile. [Right] Ms. Barile hosting an event, "Speaking of DevCom: Conversations with Devcom's Finest". (Image credit: Mr. John Anthony Mendoza)
Dara Clarisse Mae L. Barile, Development Communicator
Ms. Dara Clarisse Mae L. Barile advances AANR through the art and science of communication. She is an Assistant Professor at the UPLB College of Development Communication. Her research interests include agricultural communication, communication for animal welfare, and media studies for development. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (DevCom) as Cum Laude.
The GREAT Scholarship Program supported her in finishing her MS in Development Communication in January 2024. She is also a recipient of the UPLB Academic Achievement Award.
Her master's dissertation, “Factors Predicting Intention to Participate in Communication Capacity Building in Agriculture 4.0 in Selected Research and Development Organizations in the Philippines,” determined the factors affecting the behavioral intention of information staff in selected Research and Development Organizations in the Philippines to participate in communication capacity building on the use of advanced technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence [AI], the Internet of Things [IoT], robotics, drones, big data, and precision farming) in agriculture.
The GREAT Program boasts of more GREAT women scholars and alumni. The women featured are just a peek of what is in store. As the program flourishes, we look forward to nurturing more GREAT female scientists and researchers who will advance the AANR sector.
Diskartepreneurs presenting product prototypes modeled using clay and toothpicks. (Image credit: Maria Alexia R. Belarmino)
Entrepreneurship is crucial in driving economic growth and fostering innovation in the agriculture and aquatic sectors. As market demands evolve, agribusiness stakeholders must adapt by developing the right skills and mindset. Capacity-building programs help small agribusinesses become more competitive by giving people and organizations the tools to overcome challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.
One such initiative is the ‘Diskartepreneur’ – an annual training program that aims to sharpen the skills of entrepreneurs in the agriculture and aquatic sectors. The five-day training covered Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs), design thinking and innovation, marketing strategies, and business operations.
Diskartepreneur focuses on the concept of design thinking, offering the participants a new approach to product development, focusing first on the needs of their target market. Throughout the training, the participants worked in groups, prompting each member to lean into their strengths, generate innovative ideas, and work collaboratively towards achieving their goals.
[Top] Diskartepreneurs teams visiting Batong Malake Public Market as part of their product development activity. [Bottom] Diskartepreneurs selling their products at the UPLB Christmas Bazaar. (Image credit: Maria Alexia R. Belarmino)
For its third run, Diskartepreneur has brought together 25 participants from eight institutions from Laguna, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Pampanga, and Metro Manila. They are agricultural producers, extension workers, and agribusiness development partners.
As part of the training challenge, each group developed a product for a specific persona with a challenge: the product must utilize any part of the banana plant as one of its ingredients. The teams showcased their creativity by producing unique prototypes such as ‘sisig,’ ‘tanghulu,’ chips, and various chilled treats.
Recognizing the significance of regulatory compliance, Diskartepreneur also partnered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to provide insights on business registration and taxation—essential knowledge for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) aiming to access larger markets.
As part of the training program, the participants joined and sold their products at the UPLB Christmas Bazaar. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply their learning in production, marketing, finance, and human resources.
Diskartepreneur is a program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), led by its Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD). It is conducted in partnership with the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-DAME) and spearheaded by the Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH).
Diskartepreneur 2024 graduates. (Image credits: Maria Alexia R. Belarmino)
Graduate scholars from various Southeast Asian countries visited the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The visit on March 13, 2025 is part of the DOST Scholarship Offerings for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Researchers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM).
The program allows students from the three ASEAN member states to pursue master's and doctorate in science and engineering at partner institutions such as De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines (UP) campuses in Diliman, Los Baños, and Manila. The project is being implemented by the DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and monitored by DOST-PCAARRD.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora welcomed the scholars, expressing the Council’s strong commitment to supporting the program and its scholars.
“Rest assured that DOST-PCAARRD, in partnership with DOST-SEI, will continuously support and encourage you. Your success is our priority and we look forward to seeing you grow and thrive in your respective fields,” Dr. Ebora emphasized.
Crops Research Division Director Leilani Pelegrina shared her experiences in her PhD studies through the presentation, “Journeying.” (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Other DOST scholarship alumni also joined the activity to provide insights into research writing and their experience in pursuing graduate studies. Among them are Ms. Leilani D. Pelegrina, Director of the Crops Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD, and Ms. Dara Clarisse Mae L. Barile, Assistant Professor at the College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños. Ms. Pelegrina is a recipient of the DOST Human Resource Development Program (HRDP); meanwhile, Ms. Barile pursued her graduate studies under the Council’s Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program.
Both speakers underscored the importance of seeking guidance, embracing the iterative writing process, and taking things one step at a time. ‘There is no perfect draft. Writing, rewriting, and even revising just one sentence a day will help you move forward,’ they advised.
Adding to the encouragement, Ms. New Ni Mar, an MS Agronomy candidate set to graduate this semester, reminded her fellow scholars to stay optimistic and enjoy the journey of being a graduate student. She said that they should view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. She adds that a positive mindset will help them navigate the ups and downs of research and academic life.
Closing the program, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos urged scholars to stay committed to their research and maximize the knowledge they gain.
“More than just scholars, you are future leaders and catalysts of change in science and technology. The knowledge you acquire here will not only benefit your personal and professional growth but also contribute to the development of your countries and the ASEAN region,” he stated.
DOST- Graduate students under the DOST Scholarship Offerings for ASEAN Researchers CLM during their Research Exposure Visit at DOST-PCAARRD (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Ebora and Dr. Carlos also proposed the idea of establishing an alumni association for CLM graduate scholars to foster long-term connections and collaboration among ASEAN researchers. This initiative aims to create a sustainable platform for scholars to exchange knowledge, explore joint research opportunities, and contribute to regional development.
As the scholars continue their academic journeys, DOST-PCAARRD remains committed to supporting them, reinforcing its role in advancing science and technology in the ASEAN region. The research exposure visit served not only as a venue for learning but also as a stepping stone toward stronger international partnerships that will drive innovation and progress in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.
