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Faculty researchers of the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) visited Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) on 13 August to benchmark the Universityβs SMART Agriculture center and technologies where they expressed their full interest in control systems, management and data gathering of the said flagship facility.
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Said delegation consisted of faculty members from PSAUβs College of Engineering and Computer Studies spearheaded by Engr. Johan Winsli G. Felix, Project Leader and eight study leaders, namely, Engr. Maribel T. Bravo, Engr. Rosalie T. Tuazon, Engr. Romana B. Pare, Dr. Johnny L. Miranda, Ms. Jackilyn B. Baccay, Mr. Aloysius S. Valerio, Mr. Rodel P. Pentecostes and Mr. Manny Pangilinan.
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This benchmarking visit provided the visitors with an in-depth understanding of the SMART Agriculture center focusing on its automated climate control systems, the integration of sensors and data analytics, sustainability practices, resource management, crop monitoring, yield optimization, maintenance, and its overall operational costs.
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Dr. Amy Lizbeth J. Rico, faculty member from the College of Engineering and Technology and the General Manager of SMART Agriculture center, toured the visitors and discussed the facilityβs humble beginning through the extensive support of the Israel Embassy and Philippine government agencies, namely, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Science and TechnologyβRegion III (DOST-R3).
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Dr. Rico showcased the facilityβs control system and structure and how the controlled environment resulted in plants blooming and creating quality crops which are eventually commercialized within and outside the university.
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They also visited the Engineered Bamboo Facility where Mr. Clarence Tejada, staff member of the said facility, explained the processes for creating the universityβs quality bamboo products. This sustainability initiative caught the attention of visitors, who inquired about the bamboo productsβ prices and ways to order items. They also had a quick visit to Dr. Ruben A. Parazo, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) before travelling back to Pampanga to catch up on an appointment.
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