On June 30, 2026, the DALISAI 2.0 Inception Meeting was held at Malagos Garden Resort in Malagos, Tugbok District, Davao City. The event brought together partner farms, stakeholders, and key offices to reaffirm a shared commitment to smarter and more sustainable agriculture.

The initiative, officially titled "DALISAI 2.0: Digital Agriculture Leveraging IoT Systems and Artificial Intelligence," aims to advance farming practices through data-driven technologies. Held under the theme "Strengthening Smart Agriculture Partnerships through AI, IoT, and Collaborative Innovation," the event opened with welcome remarks by A/Prof. Armacheska R. Mesa-Satina. Hosted by Zazheska Lorenzo, the afternoon program reiterated the project's goals of integrating data-driven systems into local farming communities.

Milestones and Future Targets

The core of the program featured comprehensive presentations reflecting on the project's trajectory and future. Harold Clyde Valiente, a project technical specialist, presented the Year 1 accomplishments of Project DALISAI and discussed the foundational milestones already achieved.

This was followed by a forward-looking presentation by Junniel Rome Ardepuela, another project technical specialist, who outlined the Year 2 plans, targets, and innovations, underscoring the project's continued growth as a platform for real-world impact.

Strengthening Partnerships on the Ground

A major highlight of the inception meeting was its emphasis on collaborative innovation and practical application. Jenno Fred Villarino led a session on the Partner Farm Collaboration Framework, giving partners a platform to voice their needs and provide direct suggestions for the technology's application.

This dialogue paved the way for the Collaborative Research Agreement signing ceremony, formally establishing partnerships between the Project Management Team and the participating farms.

A Broad Coalition of Support

The event drew institutional leaders and key agricultural stakeholders, highlighting broad support for digital agriculture. Notable attendees included UP Mindanao Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture XI, and Davao City Agriculturist's Office.

Partner farms, including Cadayona Arboretum, Alcon Farms, Belviz Farms, and D'Farmers Market, were also present. Their representatives actively participated in the program and delivered messages of support.

Moving Towards a Smarter Agricultural Future

The inception meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dean Vicente Calag, capping off a day of exchanges among the project's partners and stakeholders. Through the conversations and connections made during the event, DALISAI 2.0 continues to build stronger partnerships for research and innovation.

Together, stakeholders and communities are moving forward toward smarter farms and a stronger agricultural future.

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