The CLSU – Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiCT) at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) successfully led a series of knowledge-sharing sessions on Precision and Digital Agriculture during the International Summer Short-Term Program (ISSP) 2025.

The four-day program introduced international participants to modern, technology-driven approaches that enhance agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and resource management.

This year’s participants came from Universitas Brawijaya, IPB University, Indonesia; University of the Philippines Los Baños, Visayas State University, and Central Luzon State University, Philippines.

They engaged in lectures, hands-on activities, technology demonstrations, and field applications designed to strengthen their competencies in precision agriculture.

The program featured a series of lectures delivered by Dr. Jonathan V. Fabula, PreDiCT Director, Mr. Ivan Christian L. Salinas, and Mr. Reniel Albert D. Leron, on key topics, including Introduction to Precision Agriculture, Basics of Soil Moisture Sensing, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS, Application of Drone Technology in Agriculture, Drip Irrigation Systems, Introduction to VEX Robotics and Its Role in Agriculture, and Fundamentals of Robotics and Automation.

These sessions highlighted the integration of digital tools, automation, and data-driven solutions in modern farm management.

Hands-on and field-based activities formed a major part of the training. Participants built and calibrated a smart irrigation prototype, conducted soil moisture sensor testing, and joined immersion sessions demonstrating real-world applications of precision technologies. They also completed laboratory and field exercises on drone mission planning, drone data acquisition, image processing, and interpretation of remote sensing outputs.

In the robotics component, participants assembled and programmed VEX robotic systems, engaged in an agricultural simulation challenge, and explored advanced robotics applications for smart farming. The track concluded with group presentations and an agri-robotics competition, showcasing the participants’ creativity and technical skills.

Established through a partnership between CLSU and the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), PreDiCT serves as a pioneering hub for smart farming, providing leadership in land and water resource management through research, capacity building, and technical assistance.

Through ISSP 2025, the Center reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and cultivating globally competitive young researchers equipped for the digital future of farming.