Boosting climate-smart farming: DOST-CALABARZON, UPLB, LGU Magallanes install Automatic Weather Station (AWS)

(By Jade Alezandra L. Morales)

MAGALLANES, CAVITE — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Cavite, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños SARAI Central Hub and the Local Government Unit of Magallanes, deployed an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) under Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry) on May 11, 2026, at the LGU’s Municipal Nursery.

The installation was led by Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, DOST-CALABARZON’s Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, and Ms. Anna Marie S. Daigan, EnP, Supervising Science Research Specialist of PSTO Cavite. Joining them from the LGU were Ms. Maristel De Jesus of the Municipal Agriculture Office and Ms. Daphne Mae Patawe, head of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The installation was carried out with the assistance of representatives from MAEDEN Enterprises, DOST CALABARZON SARAI’s partner for the AWS.

The newly installed AWS will enable the municipality to continuously monitor local weather and environmental conditions in real time. The system records important data such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind movement, solar radiation, and atmospheric pressure. These datasets will support Project SARAI’s initiatives by providing information needed for localized weather advisories, crop assessment, and seasonal farm planning based on local conditions.

A capacity-building activity was likewise conducted for participating LGU personnel to introduce the basic operation, functions, and intended applications of the AWS, including data access, monitoring, and initial data processing procedures. Discussions also highlighted the importance of utilizing AWS-generated meteorological data in supporting evidence-based agricultural planning, climate resiliency, and disaster preparedness initiatives.

This deployment forms part of the continuing nationwide implementation of smart agriculture technologies by the UPLB SARAI Central Hub through its regional partners. Supporting the installation in Magallanes were Mr. Renel Angelo Taladtad and Ms. Judy Ann Legaspi.

By providing access to localized and validated climate data, the project strengthens the municipality’s capacity for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation planning. The AWS is expected to support local farmers and the municipal office in developing more informed and responsive decisions toward climate-resilient agricultural strategies for the community.

The SARAI Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations (SARAI CeNTRO) is one of DOST’s innovative agricultural initiatives, funded by the agency and monitored by DOST-PCAARRD. SARAI CeNTRO is currently being deployed nationwide through the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in partnership with the DOST Regional Offices. We are rolling into your region—ready to serve, support, and sow solutions.

Note to editors: DOST-CALABARZON is one of the regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology and is located at Jamboree Road, Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. For more information, you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/dostcalabarzon or our website at www.region4a.dost.gov.ph. You may also reach us at parcu@ro4a.dost.gov.ph.