Institutional buyers, such as food service companies and large retailers, require a consistent supply of high-quality products that meet safety and handling standards. To help smallholder farmers access these high-value markets, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is providing technical support and capacity building through its Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH). 

Recently, AABH helped smallholder farmers of the Lucban Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (LFAC), through the training, “Recommended Production and Management Practices of Selected Herbs and Vegetable Crops.” LFAC is a newly registered cooperative and one of the AABH’s assisted enterprises. Held at the Sangguniang Bayan Conference Room of the Lucban Municipal Hall, the training is part of AABH’s ongoing support to the cooperative. 

LFAC was formed to consolidate local vegetable farmers in Lucban and is currently being developed into a steady supplier for institutional buyers. Through the AABH’s market linkaging efforts, the cooperative was connected with the Farmville Agricultural Source Team (FAST), a food service company that supplies commissaries, restaurants, and related clients. The market matching process involved an initial phone call, followed by an online meeting to further discuss the linkage and explore a potential supply arrangement.

Despite initial setbacks, such as failure of trial plantings due to heavy rains, LFAC has remained committed to meeting the volume and quality standards required by FAST. To address identified gaps in the production and technical knowledge, the AABH organized this capacity-building activity with Asst. Prof. Lance Irvin Elleva from the Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-CAFS).

Fifteen LFAC members were trained on topics such as: climate suitability, nursery preparation, transplanting, fertilizer management, integrated pest management, and postharvest handling. The training emphasized science-based methods, such as use of raised beds, organic inputs, and hot pepper-based pest deterrents.

A major highlight of the training was the hands-on use of UPLB’s soil test kit (STK), which equipped the farmers with practical skills in assessing soil nutrient levels and pH to guide appropriate fertilization strategies. While some participants initially experienced difficulties using the kit, they valued the opportunity to enhance their technical capacity and deepen their understanding of science-based soil management. The interactive session helped them gain confidence in interpreting test results and applying the findings to boost crop productivity. To support ongoing soil management activities, a test kit was officially turned over to LFAC for continued cooperative use.

Through sustained mentorship and strengthened market linkages, DOST-PCAARRD’s AABH aims to transform LFAC into a reliable and resilient agri-enterprise. This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated approaches that combine technical training, market linkaging, and institutional support in developing sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Two of the key Livestock R&D projects of the Cavite State University (CvSU) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) are moving forward to the final stages following their pre-terminal review.

On June 10, 2025, DOST-PCAARRD and CvSU reviewed and assessed the progress, accomplishments, and challenges of the projects through the projects’ technical and financial matters and identified potential areas for improvement. The activity highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing livestock production, improving institutional capabilities, and ensuring that research initiatives contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and community development.

One of the two projects assessed was the"Assessment of the Production Performance and Profitability of Raising (IP Kayumanggi) at Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Muntinlupa,” led by Dr. Gary A. Pareja, which evaluated the performance and economic viability of IP Kayumanggi. 

CvSU Project staff, Ms. Cecille B. Anuada, proudly presented key results of the project that went beyond production performance, but also provided skills and a meaningful livelihood for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The project produced over 100,000 eggs, which were processed into ‘balut,’ ‘penoy,’ and salted egg by the PDLs in Muntinlupa City Jail.  According to Ms. Anuada, the team remained committed and continuously worked toward achieving its goals regardless of the challenges faced by the project.

The second project was the “Production Performance and Profitability Testing of Purified Native Pig Breeds,” led by Project Leader Mariedel L. Autriz, PhD. The project evaluated the growth, productivity, and market potential of Black native pig breeds. 

Dr. Autriz reported that the project achieved high parity and conception rate among the native pigs, indicating excellent reproductive performance. As a result of effective management and breeding practices, the project produced more than 71 head of native pigs, which were also sold as lechon, generating significant revenue and demonstrating the project's productivity, sustainability, and strong market potential.

Following these results,  DOST-PCAARRD and CvSU agreed to continue the project for further development.

Dr. Synan S. Baguio, Director of the Livestock Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD, expressed his insights on the near conclusion of the projects. He congratulated CvSU and its dedicated staff for their successful implementation of the projects and for strong, meaningful collaboration among partner institutions. He also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and innovation in driving impactful research and development initiatives.

Western Mindanao is gearing up small island communities, supported by science and technology institutions, in the inception of the project, “Inclusive Science for Livelihood in Agri-Aqua (ISLA) in Small Islands Enhancing Livelihood through Science and Technology (S&T) in the Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City, Philippines.” ISLA aims to provide S&T interventions to boost economic growth and make resource management more inclusive.

On June 4, 2025, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in collaboration with the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), led the program’s inception at the WMSU Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.

Dr. Leonilo B. Abella, Director of the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), expressed his gratitude for the approval of the ISLA program in the Great Santa Cruz Island. He emphasized that their main goal is to capacitate the community of the island and provide livelihood opportunities through training of farmers.

Dr. Roy L. Valesco, President of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), through Dr. Maila V. Pan, shared that the ISLA program in the Great Santa Cruz Island is the beginning of a purposeful journey – one that aims to uplift lives and strengthen the communities in the island.

Dir. Noel A. Catibog, Director of the PCAARRD-Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), virtually thanked the participating agencies’ continuous efforts for the approval of the proposal. He also encouraged the program leaders to conduct a process documentation of the project cycle to serve as a guideline for the whole ISLA program.

On June 5, 2025, the delegates visited the Great Santa Cruz Island to meet with the community, led by Mr. Hairal P. Taup, President of the People’s Organization, and Ms. Sai Canseco of the Local Government tourism office.

The launch of the ISLA program in Zamboanga City is a vital start to the conservation of natural resources, health improvement, livelihood opportunities, food technology production, and knowledge sharing of the community. Through the program, communities of small islands in the country can also be capacitated and uplifted.

The aquaculture sector embraces smart technologies to build a more sustainable future and ensure the country's long-term food security. Technologies and innovations to boost milkfish production and improve water quality monitoring systems were showcased at the International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE) 2025 held in Cauayan City, Isabela from May 21 to 23.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), featured two technologies aimed at improving fisheries productivity.

One of the highlighted technologies was HATCH: a Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Hatchery Management of Milkfish. HATCH is designed to address fluctuating temperature during colder months resulting in fewer or no eggs produced by milkfish broodstock. It maintains optimal water temperature in broodstock tanks using a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) equipped with a heat pump and electric heater. The system not only regulates temperature but also ensures optimal water quality for successful breeding.

Also showcased in the exposition was i-POND: a Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN)-based Pond Water Quality Control and Monitoring System developed for shrimp farms. This technology continuously monitors critical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, and ammonia. Upon detecting significant changes, the system can automatically activate pumps and aerators to stabilize the pond environment. i-POND enables farm operators to remotely access real-time data via the internet using a computer or a smartphone. Designed for resilience, its sensor nodes are solar-powered and its LoRa communication range extends to 300 meters. 

Engr. Glen Espeña of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) and project leader of the R&D projects for both technologies, discussed i-POND's development and potential for commercialization and wider adoption during the Resilient and Sustainable Rural Development forum hosted by DOST-Region 2.

The event gathered stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including startups, academic institutions, and local government units. Other smart technologies developed by DOST-PCAARRD in agriculture, textiles, and water management were also featured. 

iSCENE has been supporting the Smarter Philippines initiative in the past two years by fostering collaboration among government, academia, industry, and international partners to build smart, resilient, livable, and sustainable communities.