DA-ACEF-RFDG and USM-CA break ground, give rise to the Geographic Information Support System Center for High Value Commodities and Indigenous Crops in SOCCSKARGEN

Contributed by Phoebe Mae M. Baure

The university president Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia, College of Agriculture faculty researchers, Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia and Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian and research assistant Mr. Dennis Sarmiento proposed and aided the successful establishment of the Geographic Information Support System Center for High Value Commodities and Indigenous Crops in SOCCSKARGEN.

The project was funded by the Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund- Research Facility Development Fund. The construction of which commenced on the fourth quarter of 2019 and officially turned over on August 20, 2021. The center houses the geographic soils information center, the soils and insect museum display room and the farm tourism hub which will lead into multifaceted activities with emphasis on precision agriculture.

Further, the construction of the project is directed into the provision of a multipurpose facility for research, development and promotion of geographic information system center. The existence of this multipurpose facility will (1) provide a venue for training and extension engagement of soils support system in SOCCSKARGEN, (2) serve as a venue to establish awareness among stakeholders on the geographic information support system to streamline the program on high value commodities and indigenous crops in the region, (3)offer a point where researchers and stakeholders would all be educated and trained in terms of the usage of geographic information system and interpretation of crop suitability maps.

The establishment of this multi-purpose facility would bring together scientists, researchers, academicians, extension workers, farmer groups, policy makers and consumers to exchange knowledge and skills and learn from one another on how to use digital technology to advance development in each of their different areas of responsibility. PMMBaure