Smart Agriculture Technologies & Innovations Take Center Stage at Kalibo Agrifest .

KALIBO, Aklan- The Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas (DOST Western Visayas) reaffirmed its commitment to regional agricultural progress through its active participation in AgriFest 2026 held on April 29–30, 2026 in Kalibo, Aklan.

The two-day event, organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, served as a platform for DOST Western Visayas to showcase agricultural innovations, products, technologies, and services that support and strengthen local farming communities across the province.

This provided an opportunity for the agency to connect with farmers, stakeholders, and partner institutions, while promoting the use of science and technology through Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) for a more innovative and sustainable agricultural sector in Aklan.

Mr. Joeben V. Gubatanga, Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST Aklan, presented the various DOST programs and services designed to assist farmers, agri-enterprises, MSMEs, and local communities through science, technology, innovation, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. Mr. Gubatanga also conducted a session on food safety, highlighting the importance of proper food handling, sanitation, processing practices, and compliance with safety standards to ensure quality and safe agri-food products.

Moreover, Mr. Maven Anthony Mhil M. Mendoza, DOST Western Visayas Project Technical Assistant III introduced Project SARAI and its technologies, emphasizing its role in promoting smart agriculture in the region through science-based tools, crop monitoring, weather-informed advisories, and decision-support systems that help farmers improve productivity and resilience.

Under the DOST SINAG Initiative (Smart and INnovative AGriculture), the SARAI Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNTRO), funded by DOST and monitored by DOST-PCAARRD, and implemented nationwide in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and DOST Regional Offices, continues to strengthen regional capacities and expand access to science-based tools and technologies that foster resilience, productivity, and sustainability in the agricultural sector. (MAMMMendoza/RDIMS)

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