Agri-IGNITE sets IT students in AgSur state college aflame with agri-innovation and creativity

by: Vic Thor Palarca

Bunawan, Agusan del Sur—In celebration of the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Month, a kick-off event through the Agri-Innovation Generating New Ideas and Technologies for Excellence (Agri-IGNITE) Final Pitching and Presentation transpired at the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) Conference Room in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on October 1. 2025.

The event was attended by ATI-Caraga OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario, Information Service Section Chief Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, and Network Controller I Kit Paul B. Paler, who served as judges. Engr. Jack O. Bertulfo, ASSCAT ITSO/TBI Director, was also one of judges.

Agri-IGNITE aims to engage youth in agriculture through technology-driven solutions, promote sustainable agriculture in the region, and support the growth of the agricultural sector in Caraga.

“We are honored to have you with us today. Agri-IGNITE is not just about competition, but about fostering new ideas, showcasing creativity, and finding innovative ways to transform agriculture in the region. To the participants, this is your time. This is your stage. Be proud of your work. Be proud of your innovation. Your ideas have the power to create real impact,” said Dr. James Cloyd M. Bustillo, BSIS Program Chair, in his Welcome Remarks. Also in attendance were the Information Technology (IT) students, faculty, and staff of ASSCAT.

Since its inception, ASSCAT was mandated to provide advanced education, professional training, and technical instruction in the fields of agriculture, education, forestry, engineering, arts and sciences, and other allied disciplines as a state university in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

“We have stated the purpose of this event, but I would like to reiterate it, especially now that our country is facing a crisis. We need all the help we can get, and much of that help could come from ASSCAT. I encourage you to use the innovation and creativity you have learned from your mentors to make a difference in the real world,” said ATI-Caraga OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario during her Statement of Purpose delivery.

The said Agri-IGNITE event produced four finalist teams whose technology-driven solutions are designed to benefit Filipino farmers. This event intends to inspire that innovation is essential not only in smart cities, advanced manufacturing, or social enterprises but also in agriculture. This initiative also serves as a foundation for enterprises and industry experts who will lead in the future, creating transformative change among the farming communities.

“Your participation in Agri-IGNITE reflects your strong commitment to our shared vision: to become a leading institution in sustainable agriculture and innovation. By embracing innovative agricultural practices, we hope to encourage more individuals, especially the youth, to engage actively in this field. This pursuit aligns with ASSCAT’s mission to involve both faculty and students in entrepreneurial undertakings. I encourage everyone—not only the Top 4 teams but all ASSCAT students—to make the most of our shared resource, the Technology Business Incubator. Visit our office if you have ideas with potential to disrupt markets or transform industries. With that, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Top 4 teams, to the College of Computing and Information Systems, and to ATI-Caraga for organizing this remarkable event. To everyone present, thank you—and let us continue to champion innovation as our pathway toward sustainable agriculture and inclusive community development,” said Engr. Jack O. Bertulfo, ITSO/TBI Director, delivering the Inspirational Message on behalf of ASSCAT College President Joy C. Capistrano.

Among the four finalists, Team DATO AI emerged as the winner with their proposed project, “Dato AI – Datos nga Sakto, Ani Sigurado”, composing of Dether John Olaguir, Chavy Butaslac, and Shyla Mae Doneza.

“Wala jud mi nag-expect nga makadaog kay ang among mga kalaban mga gahe kaayo. Unya, kadaghan mi ni-agi ug revisions sa among proposal, then incorporate ang mga corrections (or improvement suggestions) sa mga panel of judges. Ang among software project nagtumong nga ma-eliminate ang mga middlemen sa agricultural value chain aron ang dako ug kita, ang atong mga farmers” (We really did not expect to win because our opponents were very skilled. Also, we went through many revisions of our proposal, then incorporated the corrections (or improvement suggestions) from the panel of judges. Our software project aims to eliminate the middlemen in the agricultural value chain so that the farmers receive the bigger share of the profits) Team Leader Dether John Olaguir said.

Team Dato AI received a cash prize and the chance to have work experience opportunities and mentorship with ATI-Caraga.