Today, June 24, 2025, the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) reaffirmed its role as the province’s premier academic and research institution as it took part in the historic launch of the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office (PRDIO) Research Laboratory—a ₱250-million flagship facility hailed as Mindanao’s first and most advanced soil and agricultural testing center.

Held at the Governor Democrito O. Plaza Government Center in Prosperidad, the ceremonial launch was graced by Her Excellency Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, along with Dr. Steven Crimp, Research Director of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro of the Department of Agriculture; and Director Maria Teresa L. De Guzman of the Department of Science and Technology–PCAARRD.

Conceptualized and championed by Second District Representative Hon. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, alongside Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., Vice Governor Samuel E. Tortor, and First District Representative Hon. Alfelito M. Bascug, the PRDIO Research Laboratory is envisioned to be the cornerstone of precision and climate-smart agriculture in the province. Through rapid and reliable analysis of soil, water, plant, and fertilizer samples, the facility empowers farmers to adopt sustainable, data-driven practices that reduce input costs and increase productivity.

The establishment of this laboratory directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting food security through improved crop yields; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by enabling efficient resource use and input optimization; SDG 13 (Climate Action) by supporting sustainable land management and resilience-building in agriculture; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through robust collaboration with ACIAR, the Department of Agriculture, DOST-PCAARRD, and ASSCAT.

The launch also underscored the vital role of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) as an academic and research partner in this provincial initiative. Representing the institution were VP for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Dr. Carmelo S. Llanto and VP for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension Dr. Ferdinand A. Dumalagan, together with a delegation of faculty researchers and technical experts. As a strategic institutional partner, ASSCAT is poised to contribute its scientific expertise and extension capability to help ensure that the laboratory’s services reach farmers and communities on the ground—transforming data into action, and research into impact.

A highlight of the event was the conferment of Honorary Membership to Rep. Eddiebong Plaza by the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology (PSSST) in recognition of his unwavering commitment to agricultural advancement and science-driven development in Agusan del Sur.