𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐈 𝐂𝐞𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) convened an inception and partnership meeting with JHCSC on October 23, 2025, at the JHCSC Hostel, Pagadian City Extension Campus, to present and discuss the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines – Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI-CeNTRO) systems and technologies. The meeting aimed to introduce the Project SARAI initiative and explore potential research collaborations to promote agricultural development in Zamboanga del Sur.

President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales warmly welcomed the key DOST representatives and expressed his appreciation for the department’s continued support in advancing science-based initiatives in the province. The activity was attended by Mr. Ricardo J. Apolinario III, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services; Mr. Gerardo F. Parot, Provincial Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office, Zamboanga del Norte; Mr. Jan Melvin T. Vallejo, Science Research Specialist I of the Provincial Science and Technology Office, Zamboanga del Sur; and Mr. Mark Vincent J. Baliña, Science Research Specialist II of the Provincial Science and Technology Office, Zamboanga del Norte. Also present were Ms. Eva Mae Largo, Mr. Karl Austhyne D. Banua, Mr. John Carlo W. Monopollo, Project Technical Assistants III, and Ms. Jethrese Fe S. Supilanas, Project Technical Aide V, all from DOST IX.

During the meeting, DOST introduced the SARAI CeNTRO systems and technologies, which aim to provide data-driven solutions and tools that can aid farmers and local institutions in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. Under this partnership, JHCSC will spearhead a study on the phenological stages of cacao to generate valuable data that can enhance sustainable and productivity-driven farm management practices in the region.

The discussion also highlighted JHCSC’s forthcoming projects, particularly the D’PETALS (Dapiwak Protected Eco-Tourism-Agri Learning Site), envisioned as a model site integrating eco-tourism, agricultural learning, and sustainable farming innovations. Both institutions expressed optimism that this collaboration will contribute to advancing research-based agricultural development and fostering innovation for the benefit of local communities in Zamboanga del Sur.