Researchers from the QSU-College of Information Technology and Computing Sciences (CITCS) and personnel from the PLGU-Quirino unveiled their completed project, titled “Support towards Smart and Sustainable Quirino: Sustainable Agriculture for Effective Disaster Risk Reduction Management using GIS Technology in Quirino (SAFE-QUIRINO),” during a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office project monitoring on April 25, 2024.

The project involved the development and customization of a geographic information systems  (GIS)-based sustainable agriculture system. This system offers a more efficient and effective way to manage databases on agricultural land areas, farmer profiles, crop production, and yield monitoring. It also serves as a disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) tool, enabling a faster response, recovery, and rehabilitation for the agricultural sector in case of disasters.

As the key feature of the project is real-time flood reporting within agricultural lands, this allows municipal and provincial agricultural personnel to provide timely warnings or assistance.The project is led by Engr. Divine Grace D. Olaño (QSU) and Engr. Grace Dorothy G. Vicente (CFFQI-PLGU), with team members Mr. Cliemtor B. Fabros, Ms. Rosalinda N. Espaldon, Mr. Rodrigo H. Castillo, Jr., Ms. Mhar Charr M. Marcelo, and Mr. Joey A. Dela Cruz.

Funded by DOST-GIA, the project will undergo a pilot testing in all the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) across the province and it will be implemented at the Provincial Agriculture Office soon after.

The DOST team, led by Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera and Provincial Director Rocela Angelica B. Gorospe, conducted the monitoring activity at the VP-ARE Hall, JAA Building, QSU Diffun Campus, Diffun, Quirino. I QIO with President Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr., PhD.