Eastern Visayas: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has successfully secured PHP12 million in funding to implement Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAi) in Eastern Visayas over the next two years. This initiative aims to introduce advanced technologies in local agriculture, focusing on systems that analyze sensor data related to temperature, rainfall, fertilizer application, and other critical agricultural parameters.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOST assistant regional director Marilyn Radam stated that this funding from the DOST central office is an initial allocation to support the project for this year and the next. A data center will be established at the DOST regional office to collect and process agricultural data, which will serve as a reference for addressing various agricultural challenges.

Preparations are currently underway for the release of funds in the next quarter, with full implementation and expansion anticipated by the end of the year. Radam mentioned that Project SARAi has been promoted actively and that this year will see the establishment of a central hub, with coordination efforts already in progress with farmer groups. The project is expected to have a significant impact by the following year.

Funded by DOST and implemented in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Ba±os and other academic institutions, Project SARAi is an action-research program designed to mitigate climate risks by providing agricultural stakeholders with site-specific crop advisories.