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NEDA Undersecretary Abad Santos Visits MinSU for Briefing on Policy Study on Smart Agricultural Technologies

NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos visited MinSU for a briefing on a policy study focused on implementing Smart Agricultural Technologies (SATs) within the university to enhance agricultural productivity in the MIMAROPA region.

Mindoro State University (MinSU) welcomed USEC. Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos, Undersecretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Development Group, Dr. Agustin C. Mendoza, Regional Director of NEDA MIMAROPA and its staff, for a briefing on Policy Study on the Application of Select Smart Agricultural Technologies to Improve Agricultural Production in MIMAROPA, August 15, 2024.

USEC. Abad Santos and his team were warmly received by MinSU officials, led by Ms. Joelene C. Leynes, Officer-in-Charge and Vice President for Administration and Finance, on behalf of University President Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol.

The visit was centered on the briefing for the proposed Policy Study on SATs to be established at the university. The proposed study, which seeks to increase productivity and profitability among farmers, will focus on the use of modern farming practices such as drones, drip irrigation systems, hydroponics, and two additional smart agricultural technologies for possible adoption within the MIMAROPA region.

In his message, USEC. Abad Santos emphasized the need to revitalize MIMAROPA's agricultural sector to enhance its economic contribution and create more opportunities for local communities. He also expressed his gratitude to MinSU for accepting the collaboration and hosting the briefing for the said policy study. In addition, he highlighted the importance of applied research projects like this one, which have the potential to create a significant impact on the region's agricultural sectors.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mendoza discussed the briefer on the policy study, focusing on its potential impact on agricultural production in the region. Also, Dr. Christian Anthony C. Agutaya, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension at MinSU, presented R & D projects of the university.

Following the presentations, MinSU staff, led by key officials, accompanied the NEDA team to proposed research areas within the university’s main campus. These included the coconut plantation intended for agricultural drone application, a calamansi demonstration farm for drip irrigation, the greenhouse area for hydroponics, and the MinSU rice farm.

The policy study aims to aims to provide policy recommendations on the application of smart agricultural technologies (SATs) to improve agricultural production in MIMAROPA.