By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Mark Alcala leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology Calaba...
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| Mayor Mark Alcala leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology Calabarzon for the implementation of Project SARAI, aimed at strengthening Lucena City’s agriculture sector through science and technology. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Lucena City will strengthen its agricultural sector through practical solutions supported by science and technology aimed at improving farm productivity and helping farmers cope with changing weather conditions. The initiative reflects the city’s shift toward using data and modern tools to better support local farmers and improve long-term sustainability.
This comes through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government, led by Mayor Mark Alcala, and the Department of Science and Technology Calabarzon on March 17. The agreement formally launches the Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAI), a program designed to help farmers make better decisions and improve their harvest using data and digital tools.
The SARAI project introduces a complete set of farming support systems based on science and research that aim to improve productivity, efficiency, and farmers’ ability to respond to changing conditions in weather and markets. These include access to real-time weather updates, crop advisories, and digital tools that help farmers plan and manage their crops more effectively.
The partnership signals a broader shift toward smarter farming practices in Lucena City, with data and technology playing a central role in shaping the future of local farming communities. Its implementation could serve as a model for other local government units that seek to improve agriculture through modern tools and innovation.
The initiative underscores the city government’s commitment to translating technological advancements into practical support for farmers and others working in agriculture. It also highlights the role of leadership in ensuring that these tools and systems are properly utilized and deliver meaningful benefits to the farming community.
Mayor Alcala said the partnership focuses on helping farmers through innovation and practical support systems that respond to real challenges in agriculture. He added that combining science with effective governance remains vital in building a stronger and more competitive farming sector in the city.
“Malinaw sa atin na ang kinabukasan ng agrikultura ay nakasalalay sa paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya at tamang datos upang mapalakas ang kakayahan ng ating mga magsasaka. Sa ganitong paraan, nagiging mas handa sila sa mga hamon ng panahon at pagbabago ng klima,” ani Alcala.
He also underscored the importance of cooperation between national agencies and local government units in ensuring that these innovations reach communities effectively. Such partnerships, he said, help bridge the gap between research, policy direction, and actual implementation on the ground.
“Sa pamamagitan ng ugnayang ito sa DOST, mas napapalapit natin ang siyensya at teknolohiya sa komunidad, lalo na sa mga magsasakang nangangailangan ng konkretong solusyon. Ito ay hindi lamang proyekto kundi isang pangmatagalang suporta para sa kanilang kabuhayan,” dagdag pa niya.
Alcala pointed to the city’s long-term goal of developing a farming sector that can adapt to environmental and economic challenges. He said providing farmers with the right knowledge and tools remains essential in achieving steady and sustainable growth.
“Layunin natin na hindi lamang mapataas ang ani kundi mabigyan din ng sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan ang ating mga magsasaka upang maging handa sa anumang hamon ng panahon. Sa tulong ng teknolohiya, mas nagiging matatag at progresibo ang sektor ng agrikultura sa Lucena,” pagtatapos ni Alcala.
The partnership signals a broader shift toward smart agriculture in Lucena City, where data, innovation, and collaboration are expected to play a central role in shaping the future of local farming communities. Its implementation could serve as a model for other local government units seeking to modernize agriculture and empower farmers through technology.
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