SorSU Castilla Campus Advances Agriculture 4.0 with DA ACEF-Funded Project: “Upgrading of the Soils Laboratory at Sorsogon State University”
Sorsogon State University (SorSU) Castilla Campus has taken a significant step toward promoting sustainable agriculture and advancing Agriculture 4.0 with the official launch of its DA ACEF-funded project, “Upgrading of the Soils Laboratory at Sorsogon State University.” The Hybrid Inception Meeting for the project was held on August 18, 2025, at the SorSU Castilla Campus Audio Visual Hall, Farmers Training Center, with attendees joining both in person and via Zoom.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ryan V. Dio, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, speaking on behalf of SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this milestone possible, including DA project leaders, university administrators, and local government partners.
The DA ACEF-supported soils laboratory upgrade will enhance SorSU’s capacity for precision and science-based farming by modernizing soil and crop science facilities. The initiative strongly aligns with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), which emphasizes modernization, sustainability, and competitiveness in agriculture. By integrating smart tools, GIS technologies, and advanced soil testing, the project also represents Agriculture 4.0 in action, using data-driven innovation to improve decision-making for farmers and researchers alike.
Key attendees included Engr. Ivy Rose B. Gonzales (Director of Research and Development), Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes (Director of Extension and Training), Dr. Leny D. Berdin (Chief Administrative Officer, Finance Division), Ms. Sally D. Labitag (Supervising Administrative Officer, Finance Division), Mr. Arvin B. Pura (Administrative Officer V / BAC Secretariat), Dr. Rochele Aragon (College Dean), and Dr. Maria Teresa V. Destura (Office of the Provincial Agriculturist). Community partners such as Mr. Benjamin Lutino, President of SAMAMAKA (Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Castilla), together with members of SaMaMaCa, were also present.
Representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) also graced the event, including Engr. John Arvin N. Dela Cruz (Engineer II), Mart Limuel S. Moises (Project Development Officer I), Engr. Kristan Deo B. Rodriguez (Project Evaluation Officer II), and Rowena B. Florentino (Project Evaluation Officer I). Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs) from various municipalities of Sorsogon Province likewise participated, underscoring the project’s broad relevance and national significance.
Project Team Leader Brian Gabriel J. Buenaobra presented the initiative, providing an overview of the project, including the services to be offered and the work plan schedule. Other proponents of the initiative include Prof. Jobert Arcilla, Jocel D. Batuto, Engr. Oscar Peter Pascual, Prof. Andrew F. Detera, and Engr. Estanislao Alim IV. The project, realized through the visionary leadership of SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus and Castilla Campus Director Prof. Andrew F. Detera, along with the steadfast support of the university administration, involves a 59 percent expansion of laboratory space, procurement of advanced soil testing equipment, and facility renovations. With these upgrades, SorSU can deliver state-of-the-art, data-driven soil analyses that support AFMA’s vision of resource efficiency while moving the region closer to Agriculture 4.0 practices. The project’s benefits are projected to reach over 100 farmers, 400 students, 50 researchers, and several local government units each year. Planned services include GIS-based soil fertility mapping, crop suitability assessments, farmer training, student internships, and collaborative research. These programs combine AFMA’s mandate with Agriculture 4.0 technologies for real-world impact.
The duration of implementation runs from July 2025 to July 2026, covering equipment procurement, facility renovations, staff training, pilot testing, and full-scale operations. A sustainability plan is also in place, focusing on equipment maintenance, financial management, human resource development, and inter-agency cooperation.
During the meeting, Engr. Kristan Deo B. Rodriguez of DA-BAR outlined the Monitoring and Evaluation framework, stressing transparency, collaboration, and clear success indicators. The event concluded with an open forum that showcased the united commitment of stakeholders to the project’s success.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Andrew F. Detera reflected on the shared vision that brought the project to life: “This initiative was born out of shared dreams for our farmers, our students, and the land we all depend on. We are grateful and ready to serve.” With these upgrades and the hybrid, inclusive approach to collaboration, the SorSU Soils Laboratory is poised to become a hub for innovation, research, and community service, driving AFMA’s modernization goals and preparing its stakeholders for the full realization of Agriculture 4.0.
Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus
