News Details

MinSU joins 89th RDC MIMAROPA Full Council Meeting, signs MOU on Smart Agriculture Policy Study

Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) including MinSU convened for the 89th First Quarter RDC MIMAROPA Full Council Meeting at The Heritage Hotel, Pasay City, on March 7, 2025.

Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) convened for the 89^th RDC MIMAROPA Meeting - Full Council Meeting at The Heritage Hotel, Pasay City, March 7, 2025.

The agenda included discussions on the FY 2026 RDC Budget Review, FY 2023-2024 Agency Budget Implementation, Panahon ng Pagkilos: PH Community Resilience Project, Comprehensive Action Plan towards Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, the CY 2025 RDC Work Program, and the Filipinovation Awards, among others.

Mindoro State University (MinSU), as an active RDC member, was represented by its University President, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol. Also present were regional agency heads and representatives from key government agencies, including the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Irrigation Administration, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Information Agency, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine National Police, MARINA, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Nutrition Council, Commission on Population and Development, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Land Transportation Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines (PA 2ID and WESCOM), Climate Change Commission, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, and Department of Migrant Workers.

State universities and colleges, including Marinduque State University, Occidental Mindoro State College, Palawan State University, Romblon State University, and Western Philippines University, also participated. The five governors of the MIMAROPA region, along with other local government officials, graced the event.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Policy Study on the Application of Select Smart Agricultural Technologies (SAT) to Improve Agricultural Production in MIMAROPA. This collaborative project between MinSU and NEDA MIMAROPA aims to provide policy recommendations on the adoption of smart agricultural technologies to enhance farm productivity and efficiency. The study will explore the implementation of drones, drip irrigation systems, hydroponics, and other innovative solutions, with selected technologies to be piloted at MinSU's campus.

Dr. Apostol signed the MOU on behalf of MinSU along with Ms. Elisa Agoncillo and Mr. Edgardo S. Agoncillo, Associate Professors of MinSU, while Dr. Agustin Mendoza, Regional Director of NEDA MIMAROPA, Gov. Jose R. Riano, RDC Chairperson, and Mr. Bernardino A. Atienza Jr., Acting RDC Secretary, represented the RDC in the agreement.

The partnership is expected to support farmers in adopting innovative farming practices, ultimately contributing to improve agricultural production in MIMAROPA.