20/08/2026
M&E visit to SARAI Regional Hub strengthens partnerships in Davao Region
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) visit to the SARAI Regional Hub in Davao Region (Region XI) provided an opportunity to assess the progress of the regional hub, and strengthen partnerships to further enhance the utilization of SARAI systems and technologies in the region.
More than assessing the implementation of the region, the visit served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among SARAI partners and local stakeholders to determine how the system and technologies can be better aligned with the agricultural needs and priorities of the region. Discussions focused on strengthening the use of SARAI-generated information and technologies to provide practical, timely, and localized support for farmers, LGUs, and other agricultural stakeholders.
DOST-PCAARRD, through the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), conducted the M&E visit together with the evaluators, Dr. Jessie C. Elauria, Dr. Marilyn M. Elauria, S&T Consultants, and Dr. Jasper G. Tallada of PhilRice.
During the visit, Ms. Ross Fievanni A. Inguillo, Alternate Focal/SRS II of DOST Davao Region, presented the Regional Hub’s strengthened partnerships with state universities and colleges (SUCs), including the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Davao del Sur College (DDSC), as well as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and LGU partners. These partnerships are vital in expanding the reach and increasing the utilization of SARAI systems and technologies in the region.
The ARMRD team and evaluators also met with the LGU of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, the first LGU partner of SARAI Davao Region. The engagement provided an opportunity to understand the municipality’s agricultural priorities and identify areas where SARAI technologies and services can be further utilized to address local needs.
Mr. Randy Albores, Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food, emphasized the importance of accurate agricultural and weather data in supporting local planning and development initiatives.
“We feel that we need accurate data,” said Mr. Albores, underscoring the LGU’s need for timely and science-based information to guide decision-making. He also welcomed the collaboration between DOST and LGU Bansalan, recognizing its potential to strengthen the municipality’s agricultural programs and initiatives. The LGU expressed interest in utilizing SARAI-generated maps and localized information as part of its information and communication efforts, particularly through simple, timely, and easy-to-understand advisories that farmers and other stakeholders can readily use.
Through strengthened partnerships and responsive technology deployment, SARAI CeNTRO continues to promote the use of timely, reliable, and localized agricultural information toward smarter planning, climate resilience, and more sustainable farming communities.
