The Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), as the lead SUC for Project SLaM 2023/146, participated in the Inception Meeting on March 25, 2025, at the Bataan Tourism Pavilion, Roman Highway, Balanga City, Bataan. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including implementing SUCs, cooperating government agencies, and research institutions, to discuss collaborative efforts in advancing soil and land management research in the Philippines.

 

Discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in improving soil management, productivity, and sustainability in Philippine agriculture. Bataan Vice Governor, Maria Cristina Garcia, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of joint efforts in agricultural research. Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, our College President, reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to sustainable agriculture by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to hunger, responsible consumption, climate action, and land preservation.

 

Moreover, the country’s Soil Health Champion, Congressman Eddiebong Plaza, stressed the need for research-based solutions and forward-thinking policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. described the event as a milestone, emphasizing the necessity of integrating soil education into school curriculums to foster awareness and sustainability.

 

The event gathered representatives from various Institutions, including the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), along with government agencies such as the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist from Bataan, Ilocos Norte, and Tarlac, and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). International research partners, particularly the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), were also actively involved.

 

The meeting was graced by several high-ranking officials and project leaders. Among the key legislators and provincial leaders in attendance were the country’s Soil Health Champion, Agusan del Sur’s 2nd District Representative, Hon. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” G. Plaza; 1st District Representative Hon. Alfelito M. Bascug; and Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. Also present were Hon. Maria Angela S. Garcia, 3rd District Representative of Bataan, alongside Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia.

 

Leading the academic and research discussions were Prof. Chengrong Chen and Dr. Johvie Goloran, research fellow of Griffith University-Australia. Other notable attendees included Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD; Dr. Steven Crimp, ACIAR Program Manager for Soil and Land Management; Ms. Hazel Aniceto, Country Manager for ACIAR Philippines; Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, President of USM; and Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., President of MMSU.

 

The meeting also presented specific research projects under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST-PCAARRD, ASSCAT, USM, and MMSU, all of which focus on improving soil knowledge, productivity, and sustainability. Notably, three out of five project studies under this agreement are being conducted at ASSCAT:

 

• Scaling Up Yield and Profitability of Diverse Cropping Systems: Rubber-Based Systems through Soil Fertility Management and Soil Information System – Project Leader: Fernando L. Marzo

• Development of Yield-Calibrated Soil Health Index for Rubber-Based Cropping Systems in Southern Philippines – Project Leader: Leandreux D. Ocasion

• Development of Philippine Agricultural Soil Information System (PhASIS) for Selected Regions in the Philippines – Project Leader: Atty. Eric Lindbergh Inovejas

 

ASSCAT’s participation in Project SLaM underscores its strong commitment to agricultural research, education, and sustainability. Through collaborative research initiatives, the Institution plays a significant role in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture, ensuring resilience, innovation, and long-term productivity.

 

The work begins now!