LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III, through the Smart and Innovative Agriculture (SINAG) Program, conducted a four-day Training on Smart and Innovative Agriculture (SINAG) for personnel of DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) from August 3 to 6, 2026 at the Agricultural Training Institute – CAR in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of DOST-CAR in using digital technologies that can help deliver timely, science-based information to farmers and farming communities across the Cordillera region.

The training opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of DOST-CAR, followed by the inspirational message of Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Regional Director of DOST Region III, delivered by Engr. Bryan Baltazar. The message underscored the importance of making science and technology more accessible to communities through partnerships and innovation.

Participants were introduced to the DOST SINAG Virtual Hub, a digital platform that brings together climate, agriculture, market, and geospatial information in one system. The platform supports government agencies and extension workers in providing farmers with timely advisories and data that can guide planting decisions, reduce risks, and improve farm productivity.

The training also covered the use of AgriSense and remote sensing technologies for vegetation analysis and crop monitoring, enabling participants to understand how satellite data can be used to monitor crop conditions and support agricultural planning.

Another key topic was the generation of Agricultural Disaster Risk Maps for typhoon and drought, which helps identify vulnerable agricultural areas and supports local governments in preparing for climate-related hazards before they affect farming communities.

To address one of the major concerns in the Cordillera region's vegetable industry, Dr. Arnan B. Araza, Balik Scientist, discussed Combating Oversupply through Earth Observation using DIGISAKA. The session demonstrated how earth observation technologies can help monitor crop production and planting trends, allowing decision-makers to anticipate potential oversupply, reduce post-harvest losses, and support better market planning. These insights can contribute to more stable incomes for farmers by helping align production with market demand.

Participants also learned how to generate Crop Advisories using the crop simulation models APSIM and ORYZA. These tools combine weather, soil, and crop information to produce localized recommendations that can help farmers determine appropriate planting schedules, improve crop management, and adapt to changing climate conditions.

Recognizing that information is only valuable when it is understood and acted upon, the training included a session on Agricultural Communications facilitated by Mr. Arvin Jay Lamberte. Participants learned how to transform technical information into simple, clear, and actionable crop advisories that farmers can easily understand and use. Through a workshop, participants developed their own crop advisories based on actual agricultural scenarios, reinforcing the importance of communicating science in ways that are practical and relevant to farming communities.

By the end of the training, DOST-CAR personnel gained enhanced knowledge and practical skills in using digital agriculture technologies and translating scientific information into services that directly benefit farmers. Through the DOST SINAG Program, DOST continues to strengthen partnerships and empower regional institutions to deliver innovative, accessible, and community-centered solutions that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.