TARLAKENYO — As the country prepares for a forecasted very strong El Niño, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased climate-smart agricultural technologies in Tarlac to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
The technologies were featured during the annual Technology to People Media Conference organized by DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) on July 28, bringing together media partners for a field visit to various science and technology initiatives in the province.
The activity began with a pre-program assembly in Paniqui, Tarlac, where DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora delivered the welcome remarks. DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah Buendia then introduced the various DOST-funded agriculture technologies.
Earlier, CLIMPS Chief Ana Liza Solis of DOST-PAGASA, provided a climate and weather discussion, giving participants an overview of the expected El Niño conditions.
AFIS and Nutrio® demonstration in Paniqui
In Paniqui, participants witnessed a field demonstration of the Automated Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS) paired with Nutrio® biofertilizer.
AFIS combines sensors and automated controls to apply precise amounts of water, reducing labor by 40 percent and water usage by 20 percent. Nutrio® biofertilizer cuts inorganic fertilizer use by 25 to 50 percent.
Dr. Virginia Padilla, inventor from Fullmight Agricultural Corporation, and Dr. Marvin Cinense, Director of the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhiSCAT), presented the technologies.
Farmer Marlon Gamboa, Chairperson of the North Cluster Producers Cooperative, shared his experience using the product and system.
“Added cost ang NutriBio, but yung resulta is more on added benefits… Nakapagbawas kami ng synthetic fertilizer… Kung dati ginagamit namin 8 o 10 [bags], nagiging 4 [na bags] na lang,” he said.
“Napakaganda ng kita ng mga magsasaka natin, lalong-lalo na siguro ‘pag meron silang AFIS, yung sa solar… at i-propose natin na hindi lang yung ganitong stationary kundi yung mobile para mapakinabangan ng ibang mga magsasaka from one place to another,” he added.
In Paniqui, the combined technologies produced sugarcane yields of up to 178.70 tons per hectare or more than double conventional output.
SARAI technologies in Tarlac City
The group then traveled to Brgy. San Manuel, Tarlac City, for a field demonstration of Project SARAI technologies for rice and corn at the Rise and Rebuild International Foundation.
A major highlight was the installation and demonstration of the SARAI Automatic Weather Station (AWS), which provides real-time weather data that helps farmers make informed decisions on irrigation, crop management, pest monitoring, and drought preparedness.
According to DOST, this is the first-ever SARAI AWS installed in Region 3, located in Tarlac City.
Prof. Moises Dorado, Project Leader of the SARAI CeNTRO Regional Hubs, explained how the AWS collects localized weather information and converts it into practical, easy-to-understand advisories for farmers.
The AWS continuously monitors rainfall, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind conditions, and soil moisture within a 20-kilometer radius, transmitting data in near real-time for actionable farming decisions.
“Ito ay ini-install natin para magkaroon tayo ng tinatawag na site specific advancement… Ini-install natin ito sa production area para makapagkolekta tayo ng information. Ito meron itong pagkuha ng wind data, yung bilis tsaka yung direksyon. Kumukuha din siya ng data sa rainfall,” Dorado said.
“Kaya siya tinatawag na automatic [dahil] hindi na natin kailangang puntahan yan, magme-measure tayo, iyan ay naka-connect na electronically, nado-download o nakokolekta yung information kahit na hindi tayo pumunta para mag-measure… Ang system na ‘to naka-online yan sa website ng sarai.ph. So makikita niyo po ang data doon,” he added.
Patricia Espinosa, Vice President of the Rise and Rebuild International Foundation Tarlac Site, shared how access to accurate weather forecasts helps avoid unnecessary irrigation and improve farm operations for the children under their care.
Project SARAI, launched in 2013, has evolved into a nationwide digital agriculture platform that combines localized weather data, satellite imaging, and crop models to generate farm-specific advisories. The DOST is expanding the program with P600 million in funding.
The activity also featured the SINAG (Smarter Innovation for Agriculture) online platform, which provides digital agriculture and weather-related services.
Media forum and closing
The conference concluded with a media forum and closing remarks delivered by Dr. Juanito Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development of DOST-PCAARRD.
The event was attended by DOST Undersecretary Leah Buendia, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, DOST Central Luzon Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, Provincial S&T Director Karen Dañez, Provincial Agriculturist Noel Regis, representatives from Tarlac City Agriculture Office, technology developers, media partners, farmers, and other stakeholders.
In her remarks, Buendia said the technologies demonstrate how government-funded research can directly address climate challenges facing agriculture.
DOST Undersecretary Buendia emphasized that PCAARRD provides science-based and smart agriculture solutions to farmers and fisherfolk, enabling them to cope with extreme weather events like El Niño.
Through Project SARAI and other science-based innovations, DOST continues to support farmers with timely information and practical technologies for climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
