MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (December 31, 2025) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched Project SARAi-Northern Mindanao on December 15 in Malaybalay City, bringing localized crop advisories to help farmers adapt to changing weather and improve yields

Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAi) delivers climate forecasts and decision-support tools, enabling farmers to make informed choices.

Led by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) through its SARAi CeNTRO hub, the project connects national research with local farms, guiding rice, corn, and coffee growers in improving crop performance.

DOST Northern Mindanao Officer-in-Charge Felicidad V. Patañe said the project reflects the agency’s goal of translating research into practical solutions for farmers. “Project SARAi reflects DOST’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based development by empowering farmers and strengthening resilience. Using science-based data and localized forecasts, it helps farmers respond to changing weather and improve productivity,” Patañe said.

She added that the project supports Bukidnon’s role as “Mindanao’s Food Basket” by providing real-time climate information and farm decision tools. The DOST implements Project SARAi in collaboration with its attached agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), higher education institutions (HEIs), and local government units (LGUs).

Engr. Leo Neil T. Viado, technical officer of SARAi CeNTRO and its regional centers, said the Northern Mindanao hub strengthens coordination with farming communities. “Together, we move toward a more connected and sustainable agriculture where farmers can adapt and prosper despite climate challenges,” Viado said.

During the launch, DOST turned over an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) to support farm-level decision-making in Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Kalilangan, and Malaybalay.

SARAi CeNTRO project leader Dr. Moises A. Dorado of UPLB said the project helps farmers manage nutrients, water, and pests more efficiently, improving yields and sustainability for major crops including rice, corn, banana, coconut, coffee, cacao, sugarcane, soybeans, and tomatoes. He noted that mobile applications for pest and disease identification and coffee harvest estimation allow farmers to utilize faster, data-based approaches.

DOST Bukidnon Provincial Director Ritchie Mae L. Guno said Project SARAi ensures that farmers and communities get timely access to agricultural information. “Through Project SARAi, DOST–Northern Mindanao links national research to local farms, helping farmers reduce climate risks and strengthen food security in Bukidnon,” Guno said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA-10/Bukidnon)