The Department of Science and Technology–CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) conducted a Training on Basic GIS and Remote Sensing, and Agricultural Monitoring, from January 19-21, 2026 at Chateau Blue Resort, Calamba City, Laguna, as part of its continuing efforts to support data-driven and science-based agricultural governance in the region.
The SARAI Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNTRO) is one of DOST’s agricultural initiatives funded by the agency and monitored by DOST–PCAARRD. The program was deployed nationwide through the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), in partnership with the DOST Regional Offices, to strengthen local capacities for data-driven and resilient agricultural development.
The activity introduced partner LGUs to the practical use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and the Community-Level SARAI-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS), including hands-on training on open-source tools such as QGIS to support improved crop monitoring and data-driven agricultural planning.
This capacity-building activity gathered representatives from the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) in CALABARZON and selected partner local government units (LGUs), including LGU Magallanes, LGU Lucena, and LGU Siniloan.
According to Marcelito E. Morong Jr., Agriculturist of LGU Lucena, “Malaking tulong itong training na ito para sa precision agriculture. Malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng mahusay na data management, kabilang ang paggamit ng GIS at maayos na mapa, upang makatulong sa decision-making at sa implementasyon ng mga programa.”
Through initiatives such as this training, DOST-CALABARZON continues to support partner LGUs in adopting science-based tools and technologies that enhance agricultural planning, monitoring, and decision-making.| – Harley G. Margallo
