ASSCAT SHTCRI Consultant Takes On New Role as ACIAR SLAM Manager

𝘈 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘈𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘚𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴.
When someone from home succeeds, it hits differently.
That’s how it felt at Agusan del Sur State College of Agrticulture and Technology (ASSCAT) when Dr. Johnvie Goloran — or Sir Johnvie, as many here call him — was named the new Soil and Land Management (SLAM) Program Manager at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). It wasn’t just about the title or the international recognition. It was because he’s one of us.

Before Dr. Goloran became a soil scientist, before he earned a doctorate in Australia, and before he took on leadership roles in research programs, he was a young man from Agusan del Sur. A working student, a son, and someone who simply wanted to make life better for his family. Selling food on the street, books in one hand, dreams in the other. He didn’t boast about his ambitions; he just kept working quietly, step by step, always moving forward.
That story doesn’t fade, and it’s something he’s always carried with him.

Even after earning his PhD and joining larger institutions, Johnvie stayed close to home. As a Consultant for ASSCAT’s Soil Health and Tropical Crops Research Institute (SHTCRI), he worked alongside faculty, students, and farmers. His research wasn’t just about publications — it was about practical solutions for crops, soil, and the lives of local farmers.

He focused on improving soil conditions for key crops like cacao, banana, and coconut, which are vital for farmers in the region. He supported the development of local biostimulants, promoted more efficient slow-release fertilizers, and advocated for approaches that balanced science with the practical knowledge of local farmers. His goal has always been to create solutions that were directly applicable and beneficial to the community.

At the recent LFP Inception Meeting for the Soil Nutrient Enhancement Project on April 24, 2025, held at the RIDE Function Hall, ASSCAT was actively involved. Dr. Goloran stood before a room of familiar faces, not as a distant expert, but as someone who has long been part of the local agricultural community. It was a continuation of the ongoing work and collaboration between Dr. Goloran and ASSCAT, focused on practical solutions for improving soil health and supporting local farmers.

As he spoke about the SLAM program, he shared updates and insights from the Soil Nutrient Enhancement for High-Value Crops project. The focus of the project was improving soil conditions for crops like cacao, banana, and coconut. The discussion emphasized practical solutions like biostimulants, slow-release fertilizers, and locally sourced dolomite — all aimed at addressing soil degradation, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. Dr. Goloran’s ability to make complex science feel relevant and accessible to the farmers and stakeholders in the room reflected his ongoing commitment to practical, real-world impact.

Now, as ACIAR SLAM Manager, Dr. Goloran will work alongside partners across the Asia-Pacific to develop land management strategies that address challenges like soil degradation, climate change, and food insecurity. It’s a significant responsibility, but for those who know him, it’s clear that he’ll continue to carry the lessons learned from ASSCAT with him — the values, the knowledge, and the community that have shaped his journey.

For ASSCAT, his colleagues, and his students, this isn’t just his success. It’s a success shared by all. It’s a reminder that the good things that come from working together and staying connected can grow into something far-reaching. From the classrooms of ASSCAT to the fields of Agusan del Sur, this story is still unfolding, and it’s a story about progress, partnership, and staying true to one’s roots.

No big speeches. No grand gestures. Just steady work, deep roots, and a future that remains grounded in the place where it all began.

Congratulations, sir Johnvie!