Eastern Visayas State University proves itself to be the cradle of technology innovation in agricultural industry over the launching of Intelligent Green Box (IGB) in Leyte through the expertise of Dr. Alvin Culaba and Associates.
The said project was initiated under the agency’s Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) program. This was made possible through the iSTART Lead consultant and academician Dr. Alvin Culaba and Dr. Joel Cuello of the University of Arizona in the United States. Dr. Culaba is one of the promising products our very own institution.
In a letter sent to Philippine American Academy of Science & Engineering (PAASE) Colleagues, Dr. Cuello extended his warmest felicitations to Dr. Culaba for the milestone that could augment agricultural resources in the region. “Join me in congratulating our PAASE colleague, Alvin Culaba, for the significant progress he has made in introducing the Intelligent Green Box (IGB) technology for use by local growers in Leyte in his capacity as Lead Consultant for the DOST iSTART Program,” Dr. Cuello said.
The innovation will benefit local farmers especially that the region has unique climatic orientation. Dr Culaba serves as the Lead Consultant of the DOST iSTART program, and it was through the communal effort of the renowned scientists and the Eastern Visayas State University who provides the needed technical expertise and training. The latter plays a pivotal role in levitating technological advancement through research and development. Furthermore, this is supported by the Local Government Unit under the leadership of Governor Mic Petilla.
Similarly, this innovation will serve as a roadmap for implementation of germane and relevant programs in other provinces. This will also pave the way for establishing Science and Technology ecosystems in the country.
DOST secretary Fortunato de la Pena underscores the feat of the Filipino Scientist as this contributes to advancing agri-based manufacturing and horticultural production. “The IGB technology aims to optimize indoor farming technology suited to its weather conditions which allows the growing of high-value crops in a climate-controlled environment,” DOST Secretary de la Pena said.
