DOST opens smart agriculture and innovation hubs in Central Visayas
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched two technology hubs in Cebu City aimed at strengthening innovation and promoting modern agriculture in the Central Visayas region.
The newly established facilities include the Central Visayas Smart AgriTech Hub, also known as the SARAi Regional Hub, and the Innovation Hub Central Visayas (iHub CV). The initiative was led by DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, who said the program reflects the agency’s commitment to bringing science and technology directly to farms, industries, startups, and communities.
Smart agriculture hub
The SARAi Regional Hub serves as the regional extension of Project SARAi (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines), a DOST-funded program led by the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The project promotes smart farming through science-based tools and digital technologies.
According to program leader Decibel Eslava, the system uses satellite imagery and automated weather stations to collect data on crop growth, planting areas, and possible yields. The information helps farmers make better decisions on planting schedules, irrigation, and pest management.
The hub will support monitoring and advisory services for nine major crops: rice, corn, banana, coconut, coffee, cacao, sugarcane, soybean, and tomato.
Among the technologies introduced are the Water Balance-Assisted Irrigation Decision Support System, Fertigation Irrigation Scheduling, Smarter Pest Identification Technology, and digital platforms that provide crop advisories and localized weather forecasts.
Mabborang said these tools will help farmers manage climate risks, increase productivity, and strengthen food security. He added that better access to data can lead to higher yields and improved income for farmers.
Innovation hub for startups
Meanwhile, the Innovation Hub Central Visayas (iHub CV) is designed to support the region’s startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart systems, and emerging industries.
The hub complements the Cebu Provincial Innovation Hub, which focuses on developing early-stage startup ideas. While the provincial hub helps refine and validate concepts, the regional hub assists innovators in advancing their projects toward technology development and commercialization.
Following the strategy of Inspire, Interact, Ideate, and Initiate, iHub CV will support entrepreneurs, researchers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises by connecting them with incubators, industry partners, and funding opportunities.
DOST has allocated ₱140 million this year to support 82 innovation hubs nationwide. According to Tristan L. Abando, regional director of DOST in Central Visayas, these initiatives aim to ensure that science and technology programs translate into tangible benefits for local communities.
NPO News Team | Philippine Information Agency - PR
