From internet of Things to multispectral data, the farms here are expected to witness a sweeping industrial innovation in agricultural practice, focusing on quick and appropriate solutions while cutting on time, cost and labor and most importantly, minimizing negative impact on the environment.
‘The farms of the future are no longer built on guesswork; they are powered by Science, Technology, and Innovation,’ the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao said.
It said cybertechnology ‘is bringing this vision closer to reality by introducing local farmers to technologies that combine data, automation, and artificial intelligence for smarter, more sustainable agriculture.’
The SMAARRDEC featured its breakthrough application of Zappify, which it said is an Internet of Things (IoT)-based pest control device that automates pest detection and management. It said Zappify uses sensors and connectivity to identify pest activity and activate control mechanisms only when needed, ‘reducing the use of chemical pesticides and cutting operational costs.’
This allows farmers to protect their crops more efficiently while minimizing environmental impact, it added
The SMAARRDEC will also use multispectral data for precision agriculture, a technology of imagery of captured data represented through wavelength bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
‘By capturing light beyond what the human eye can see, multispectral imaging provides detailed information on plant health, soil condition, and moisture levels. With this data, farmers can make more informed decisions such as when and where to irrigate, fertilize, or harvest, resulting in higher yields and better resource management,’ it said.
Alongside the application of artificial intelligence is the use of INDAI, or INspection of Durian using AI, which uses non-invasive imaging and AI algorithms to assess the quality of durian fruits without cutting them open.
The SMAARRDEC said this AI-aided durian inspection ‘showcases how artificial intelligence is transforming one of Davao’s most iconic products, ensuring consistency and quality assurance, helping durian growers meet market standards, reducing waste, and increasing income.’
‘These technologies are proof that science and innovation are not abstract concepts but real, practical tools that can transform the way our farmers work,’ said DOST Davao Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales. ‘By empowering our agriculture sector with smart technologies, we are securing not only better harvests but also a more sustainable and competitive future for Mindanao.’
Meanwhile, the DOST said Davao Region’s homegrown inventors and researchers romped away with major awards at the 2025 Mindanao Cluster of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE), organized by the DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) at the Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
The competition gathered some of the country’s most promising inventors, scientists, and students whose innovations address challenges in agriculture, health, and community livelihood, is said. For the Davao Region, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and New Bataan National High School stood out among the Mindanao entries, highlighting how local creativity and applied research can lead to practical technologies that improve lives.
USeP’s team earned top honors with their Mechanical Coconut Climber, which won the Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention, and ZAPPIFY, which received the Likha Award for Outstanding Government-Funded Creative Research. April Anne L. Viño, a high school researcher from New Bataan National High School in Davao de Oro, won the Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (High School Category) for her study on the medicinal and livelihood potential of the hibiscus plant.
Young innovator April Anne Viño showcased how science can empower communities through her study, ‘Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Bio-Chemical Activity Probing of Ethnopharmaceutical Potential.’ Her research explored the antidiabetic and livelihood potential of hibiscus, a plant commonly found in local gardens, the DOST said.
The Mechanical Coconut Climber, developed by Dr. Roger Montepio with engineers Ryan Abenoja, Ruel Tuyugon, Roland Bayron, and Lourenze Karl Lanticse, introduces a safer and more efficient method for harvesting coconuts. The patented device, reduces the risks faced by coconut farmers who often climb tall trees without proper safety equipment. The team’s invention is currently being refined for commercialization through USeP’s Technology Business Incubation and Technology Transfer Units, with assistance from DOST Davao.
Winners from the Mindanao Cluster will advance to the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE), where they will compete with the best inventors from other regions across the country.