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  • ISPSC, DOST-1 formalize partnership for SARAI CeNTRO Project; College receives recognition

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), represented by President Dr. Mario P. Obrero, formalized its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST-1) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the SARAI Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNTRO) Project in Ilocos Sur. The College also received a plaque of recognition for its valuable contributions to Project SARAI during the 2026 Regional SETUP, CEST, and SARAI Summit on October 20, 2026, at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte.

    Organized by DOST Ilocos Region, the summit carried the theme, “One STI Ecosystem for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth: Strengthening Enterprise Competitiveness, Empowering Communities, and Advancing Smart Agriculture.”

    The MOU signing and presentation of the plaque were led by DOST Ilocos Region Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, together with the DOST Provincial Directors.

    Under the MOU, DOST Ilocos Region will serve as the lead implementing agency for the operationalization and promotion of Project SARAI in the region. Its responsibilities include facilitating capacity-building activities, providing technical assistance, and monitoring collaborative initiatives to strengthen the use of science-based technologies in agriculture, particularly SARAI technologies and systems for agricultural monitoring, forecasting, and decision support.

    As the partner academic institution, ISPSC will designate a focal person to coordinate with DOST Ilocos Region and provide project personnel through its Research, Extension, and Development Office. The College will also allocate ?500,000 annually through the Tobacco and Agricultural Research Center (TARC) to support research and development and capability-building activities under the project. Additionally, ISPSC will conduct related research and extension activities and provide technical support, personnel, facilities, and other necessary resources for the project’s implementation.

    Also present during the event were Dr. Jocelyn L. Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension; Dr. Richard Dela Cruz, Director of the Tobacco and Agricultural Research Center; Mr. Joshua C. Domalanta, Chief of Field and High Value Crop Biotechnology; and Dr. Maria Cecilia A. Lazarde, Chief of Agribusiness and Value Chain Development, who joined President Obrero in representing the College’s commitment to strengthening research partnerships and advancing agricultural innovation.

    The plaque of recognition acknowledges ISPSC’s active partnership and valuable support in advancing science-based and climate-informed agricultural technologies and services, bringing “Agham na Ramdam” closer to farming communities. Through the partnership, both institutions aim to strengthen knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives that will help faculty members, students, researchers, and other stakeholders address agricultural challenges through science-based solutions.

    ISPSC’s participation supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food security; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by strengthening research and technological innovation; SDG 13: Climate Action, through the advancement of climate-informed agricultural technologies; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between academic and government institutions.

    Through its continued partnership with DOST Ilocos Region, ISPSC reaffirms its commitment to research, development, and extension initiatives that translate scientific knowledge into practical and sustainable solutions for farmers and local communities, strengthening agricultural resilience and supporting the sustainable development of Ilocos Sur. (Niño del Rosario)
    Photos by Niño del Rosario and Hannah Galutan

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