Mindoro State University (MinSU) is set to strengthen agricultural research, improve farm production, and introduce students to modern farming technologies following the turnover of an agricultural drone from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-MIMAROPA on October 12, 2026.
The DJI Agras T30, donated under the DA’s Rice Program, can carry up to 30 liters of liquid for spraying and 30 kilograms of seeds for broadcasting. It is expected to support research on precision farming and help the University explore more efficient farming practices.
The donation was facilitated through the initiative of Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President with DA-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Atty. Christopher R. Bañas leading the agency’s support.
“As we embrace Agriculture 4.0, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to DA-MIMAROPA for supporting MinSU’s commitment to agricultural innovation and ensuring that technology reaches not only our classrooms and research laboratories, but also the farmers and communities we serve,” said Dr. Apostol.
(Sa ating pagyakap sa Agriculture 4.0, taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa DA-MIMAROPA sa pagsuporta sa layunin ng MinSU na isulong ang inobasyon sa agrikultura at tiyaking ang makabagong teknolohiya ay hindi lamang napapakinabangan sa aming mga silid-aralan at laboratoryo ng pananaliksik, kundi umaabot din sa mga magsasaka at komunidad na aming pinaglilingkuran.)
She added that the drone would support students and faculty in Agriculture and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in conducting precision farming research and strengthen the University’s extension programs for farmers.
"At MinSU, we believe that technology becomes truly meaningful when it creates opportunities for learning, empowers our farmers, and helps build a more sustainable future for agriculture,” she added.
Meanwhile, Atty. Bañas emphasized the importance of partnering with academic institutions to ensure that agricultural technologies are studied and adapted to the actual needs of farmers.
“As technology continues to advance, it is important to strengthen the capacity of our academic institutions to conduct research and introduce innovative farming methods. Through this support, we hope to develop solutions that ease the workload of farmers and improve their production,” Atty. Bañas said in a statement posted on DA-MIMAROPA’s Facebook page.
On October 13, following the turnover, DA-MIMAROPA conducted a flight demonstration and testing of the equipment, witnessed by Apostol. With technical assistance from Meynard A. Alcobera, Science Research Specialist II of DA-MIMAROPA, the activity introduced faculty members and students to the drone’s applications in modern farming. Engr. Randy A. Joco, Director for Innovation, and Walter Jatico, a faculty member of the College of Agriculture and Allied Fields (CAAF), participated in a practice flight to gain hands-on experience with the equipment.
DA will also schedule basic training on the drone’s use and operation for the designated pilots and project team to ensure its proper handling and effective use in the University’s agricultural activities.
Dr. Ramil A. Atienza, CAAF Dean, said MinSU plans to integrate drone technology into the college’s curriculum to equip students with practical knowledge and skills in modern agriculture.
A student who witnessed the demonstration also noted that agricultural drones represent a significant advancement from traditional farming methods, which often rely heavily on manual labor.
The donation is part of DA-MIMAROPA’s efforts to promote a more modern, efficient, and research-driven agricultural sector in the region. (jdtdc/kpic)
#SDG9 #SDG11 #SDG17
302 Staff
10531 Students
9 Colleges
3 Years
