Bunawan, Agusan del Sur — A new wave of agricultural innovation is taking root in Mindanao as Information Technology (IT) students of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) showcased cutting-edge digital solutions designed to empower farmers and transform the agricultural landscape.
Through the Agri-Innovation Generating New Ideas and Technologies for Excellence (Agri-IGNITE) Final Pitching and Presentation held on October 1, 2025, the youth proved that technology and agriculture can work hand in hand to address long-standing farming challenges in the country.
The event—organized in celebration of Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Month—brought together student innovators, mentors, and experts from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Caraga, highlighting how IT-driven tools can bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern agricultural practices.
Fueling Innovation in the Countryside
“Agri-IGNITE is not just about competition, but about fostering new ideas, showcasing creativity, and finding innovative ways to transform agriculture in the region,” said Dr. James Cloyd M. Bustillo, BSIS Program Chair, in his opening remarks. “Your ideas have the power to create real impact.”
The initiative aims to engage youth in agriculture through technology, encourage sustainable practices, and promote inclusive growth in Caraga’s farming sector. Judges from ATI-Caraga—OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario, Information Service Section Chief Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, and Network Controller I Kit Paul B. Paler—joined Engr. Jack O. Bertulfo, ASSCAT ITSO/TBI Director, in evaluating the finalists’ innovative proposals.
Macario lauded the participants’ ingenuity, stressing that innovation from institutions like ASSCAT is vital as the country faces increasing agricultural and economic challenges. “We need all the help we can get—and much of that help could come from you,” she said. “Use your creativity and innovation to make a difference in the real world.”
Technology Meets Agriculture
Four finalist teams presented their tech-based solutions, all focused on improving farmers’ productivity and profitability. Their innovations demonstrated that modern technology—once confined to urban industries—can play a crucial role in advancing agriculture.
Emerging as the Top Winner was Team DATO AI, composed of Dether John Olaguir, Chavy Butaslac, and Shyla Mae Doneza, with their project titled “Dato AI – Datos nga Sakto, Ani Sigurado.”
The team developed a software solution that uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to connect farmers directly to markets, thereby eliminating middlemen and ensuring that farmers earn a fair share of the profits.
“We really didn’t expect to win because our competitors were all very skilled,” Olaguir shared. “But after many revisions and incorporating the judges’ feedback, we built a system that helps farmers sell directly to buyers and secure better income.”
As champions, Team DATO AI received a cash prize and the opportunity for mentorship and work experience with ATI-Caraga—an experience expected to further refine their innovation into a practical tool for the farming community.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Agri-Tech Leaders
In his inspirational message, Engr. Jack O. Bertulfo underscored ASSCAT’s role in nurturing technology-driven solutions that can transform agriculture.
“Your participation in Agri-IGNITE reflects your strong commitment to our shared vision: to become a leading institution in sustainable agriculture and innovation,” Bertulfo said, speaking on behalf of ASSCAT President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano. “Innovation is our pathway toward sustainable agriculture and inclusive community development.”
Bertulfo encouraged students to use the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) as a springboard for developing disruptive ideas and start-ups that can benefit rural industries, particularly farming.
A Digital Dawn for Agriculture
Events like Agri-IGNITE illustrate how information technology can revolutionize the agricultural sector—from data-driven decision-making and farm automation to digital marketing and logistics.
By equipping young IT professionals with agricultural insight and purpose, institutions like ASSCAT and ATI-Caraga are cultivating a new generation of innovators who see farming not as a backward pursuit, but as a field ripe for digital transformation.
As Team DATO AI’s success proves, the fusion of code and cultivation could be the key to ensuring food security, sustainability, and prosperity for Filipino farmers in the digital age.
Contributed article by Mr. Vic Thor Palarca of ATI-CARAGA