Better Seeds, Smarter Soils: ASSCAT Steps Up as Agri Innovation Hub

In pursuit of a more responsive and research-driven approach to agricultural development, the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) welcomed Dr. Hazel B. Alfon of the Department of Agriculture (Office of the Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization) for a strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and intensifying efforts to improve local agricultural systems through practical, science-based solutions.

The meeting focused on developing collaborative projects that respond to urgent regional realities: declining crop productivity, fragmented access to quality seeds, and limited capacity for soil diagnostics in the Caraga region.

Dr. Alfon encouraged ASSCAT to explore the establishment of Plant Breeding as a formal academic and research program—not merely as an academic pursuit, but as a strategic response to the region’s dependence on low-performing seed varieties and the absence of localized crop improvement systems. She also emphasized the need to expand the College’s Soil Laboratory services beyond basic testing, moving toward actionable, field-based interpretations that directly benefit farmers and support sustainable land use practices.

These directions align with ASSCAT’s institutional priorities:
🌱 Strengthening its research and extension framework to be problem-solving and context-responsive
🌱 Developing talent and technologies grounded in local agroecological realities
🌱 Supporting curriculum reforms that prepare students to bridge science, policy, and community needs

The College presented proposals reflecting current institutional gaps: outdated laboratory infrastructure, growing demand for plant science specialization, and the need to align academic programs with the province’s evolving agricultural challenges.

Key ASSCAT officials in attendance included College President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Dr. Carmello S. Llanto, Center Chief for the Soil Health and Crop Science Research Institute Atty. Eric Lindbergh Inovejas, Crops and Soils Laboratory In-Charge Mr. Leandreux D. Ocasion, College of Agriculture Dean Dr. Sarah Ravelo, and Chief for Curriculum Planning and Development Ms. Liezl May G. Perez.

The Department of Agriculture expressed its commitment to supporting ASSCAT through the provision of technical expertise and assistance in mobilizing funding for facility upgrading, research capacity enhancement, and curriculum innovation.

This partnership is a cornerstone of a long-term agenda to position ASSCAT as an agricultural innovation hub in Mindanao—focusing on crop improvement, soil health, and community-based farming systems. Through this collaboration, ASSCAT and the DA are contributing to Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), by improving food systems and seed security; Quality Education (SDG 4), by advancing specialized agricultural training; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), through upgraded labs and research development; Climate Action (SDG 13), by promoting sustainable and adaptive farming practices; Life on Land (SDG 15), through enhanced soil health and land management; and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), through strengthened collaboration between key agencies.

For the communities ASSCAT serves, this means access to better seeds, smarter farming systems, and more resilient livelihoods grounded in local knowledge and science.