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.