23/06/2026
NEWS | ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ง, ๐ก๐ฉ๐ฆ๐จ, ๐๐๐จ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ต โฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐
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DOST, NVSU, LGU Santa Fe Launch โฑ2M Smart Agriculture and Digital Governance Projects
SANTA FE, Nueva Vizcaya โ The Department of Science and Technology Region II (DOST R02), in partnership with Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Fe, formally convened for the ceremonial awarding of two community development projects amounting to โฑ2 million, aimed at advancing agricultural innovation and strengthening local governance in the municipality.
The ceremonial awarding highlighted the implementation of two strategic projects: โEstablishment of a Pilot Smarter Vegetable Production Center Using Hydroponics in a Rain Shelterโ under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program and โStrengthening Local Governance through System Connectivity in Santa Feโ under the Smarter and Sustainable Communities Program. These initiatives are expected to enhance food production efficiency, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and improve public service delivery through digital connectivity and systems integration.
In her message, Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST Region II, emphasized that while research and technology development remain core functions of DOST, their true value is realized when these innovations are effectively utilized by communities. She underscored the importance of translating research outputs into practical and scalable solutions that directly respond to local needs and improve public service delivery.
Dr. Bilgera further highlighted that digitalization and system connectivity have become essential tools in modern governance, especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that embracing these technologies enables local government units to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, strengthen data management, and deliver faster and more reliable services to constituents.
She also stressed that DOST continues to support initiatives that address real community challenges and are backed by strong local commitment. According to her, sustainable development is achieved when stakeholders actively collaborate, adopt appropriate technologies, and take ownership of project implementation.
Citing the importance of starting with manageable initiatives and building momentum over time, Dr. Bilgera encouraged LGU Santa Fe and its partners to sustain their efforts and continuously expand their innovations. She expressed confidence that the awarded projects will contribute to smarter governance, more efficient service delivery, and long-term community development that will directly benefit the people of Santa Fe.
In his welcome message, Hon. Eddie Caramat, representing Mr. Bengio W. Segundo, Municipal Planning and Development Officer (MPDO) of LGU Santa Fe and Project Leader of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, warmly welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the project for the Municipality of Santa Fe, highlighting its role in advancing local development and innovation-driven governance.
Meanwhile, Engr. Jonathan D. Nuestro, Provincial Director of DOST R02 โ PSTO Nueva Vizcaya, delivered the opening remarks, reaffirming DOSTโs commitment to empowering local communities through science, technology, and innovation-based interventions that address development gaps and improve quality of life.
The ceremonial awarding was led by representatives from DOST Region II, LGU Santa Fe, and NVSU, signifying their shared commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of the projects.
Messages of acceptance and support were delivered by Hon. Tidong A. Benito, Vice Mayor of Santa Fe, and Hon. Liwayway C. Caramat, Municipal Mayor of Santa Fe. Both officials expressed their gratitude to DOST and NVSU for their continued support and reaffirmed the municipalityโs commitment to ensuring the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects for the benefit of their constituents.
Further expressing institutional support, Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr., President of Nueva Vizcaya State University, represented by Dr. Glaizalyn Batara-Lictawa, Department Chair of Agricultural Biosystem Engineering, College of Engineering, emphasized the universityโs role in providing technical expertise, research-based solutions, and capacity-building support to maximize the impact of the initiatives.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Charity M. Casem, Head and Project Leader from the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU Santa Fe, represented by Ms. Marivic S. Alfonso, Senior Agriculturist. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in ensuring the success of the projects.
