TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is introducing “smart agriculture” in Cagayan Valley through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
Under SETUP, more than a thousand small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have adopted automated production equipment, improving efficiency, productivity, and product longevity.
DOST Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera said the agency extends support to startups by providing production equipment, capacity-building training, and technical assistance.
“The program also ensures proper packaging and regulatory compliance, particularly in the food industry, through laboratory testing,” she said.
At the same time, smart agriculture technologies are being introduced utilizing advanced monitoring systems to measure humidity, temperature, and soil moisture to enable farmers to optimize resource use, ensure precise input application, and determine the best time for harvesting, enhancing overall productivity.
DOST is also leading efforts to integrate e-governance and the Smart Cities and Communities Project across 80 local government units (LGUs) nationwide, to enhance local government services.
As the recognized smart city in Cagayan Valley, Cauayan City continues to set the standard for smart urban development. With the support of DOST, it serves as a model for other LGUs, helping them adopt its best practices and technologies.
“Everything that Cauayan City is doing, we are sharing with our 80 targeted municipalities—one per province—to help them implement similar innovations,” the DOST stated.
Further supporting innovation, DOST has launched Innovation Hubs (I Hub) to assist cooperatives and individuals in developing innovative products.
“We have 18 councils and institutes under DOST. We have the I-Hub, where we have prepared a space for consultations, idea exchanges, and what we call ideation,” said Bilgera.
In 2022, DOST recorded an innovation fund of P89.65 million, benefiting 95 businesses, while 67 businesses received support in 2023. The agency is set to assist 62 more businesses in 2025. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)
