SCALE UP Region 8

𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗨𝗣 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

On March 17, 2026, Abuyog Lead Farmer Technician and Farmer Facilitators underwent Crop Cut Retooling.

The activity was in preparation for the upcoming rice harvest season. This ensures that the LFT and FFs are equipped with the skills and tools needed to collect accurate and reliable data from SCALE UP Participatory Technology Demonstration sites.

The group was also accompanied by OJT students from Visayas State University who assisted in the data collection process.

𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗨𝗣 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: LGU Representatives Learn Predictive Digital Soil Mapping Tools in Maasin

From March 3–6, 2026, representatives from 10 municipalities across Eastern Visayas under the SCALE UP Program gathered at Cacao Mountain Resort in Maasin, Southern Leyte for a training on Introductory Predictive Digital Soil Mapping (PDSM) using QGIS, SAGA GIS, R Studio, and Google Earth Engine.

The training was initially an initiative of the Maasin City Local Government Unit, which later partnered with the SCALE UP Program to expand the activity and invite participants from other LGUs across the region.

The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Jeremy Mondejar, Dean of the Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Cebu Technological University – Barili Campus. The training introduced LGU representatives and SCALE UP staff to the fundamentals of Predictive Digital Soil Mapping, highlighting how geospatial tools and data-driven approaches can support soil analysis and agricultural planning.

Aligned with the goals of the SCALE UP Program, the activity emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making, precision agriculture, and digital technologies in building a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas.

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: 𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗖-𝗩 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲-𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

On February 26, 2026, the team from the National Coconut Research Center–Visayas visited one of the SCALE UP Project sites in Cagbolo, Abuyog, Leyte. The visit, led by Dr. Marisel A. Leorna, aimed to discuss possible support for local farmer Benjamin Merano.

Mr. Merano currently has 56 fruit-bearing macapuno trees. However, the marketing and value-adding potential of the harvest has not yet been fully developed.

During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening the local macapuno value chain. One initiative identified is to conduct training on macapuno strips production for members of the Cagbolo Integrated Farmers Association in the coming months.

Preparations for the training are currently underway under SCALE UP Component 4, led by Ms. Shiela Daclag.

na!

Guess the word, ka-Palay! 🌾

Ginagamit ito para malaman kung kulang o sapat ang nitroheno ng palay, na nakatutulong sa mabilis na paglaki at pagberde ng mga dahon.

💬 Hulaan kung ano ito, ka-Palay!

Congratulations to Dr. Leonarda A. Londina, SCALE UP Project Leader, on her designation as Officer-in-Charge Regional Technical Director (OIC-RTD) for Research and Regulations of DA RFO VIII.

Wishing you continued success as you take on this new role. Congratulations and more power, Doc Nards!

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII (DA RFO8) family extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Leonarda A. Londina on her designation as Officer-in-Charge Regional Technical Director (OIC-RTD) for Research and Regulations.

Guided by your vision and dedication, we look forward to breakthroughs, strategic collaborations, and sustainable progress for the agriculture sector in Eastern Visayas.

Congratulations and more power, Doc Nards!

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

On December 22, 2025, a Post-Evaluation Meeting on Farmers’ Field Day and Farmers’ Forum was conducted at Hotel de Fides in Tacloban City. The activity brought together the DA 8 SCALE UP project team, LGU representatives, and private partners, including AgriSpecialist, Bayer, Primera, and Sagrex.

The meeting provided an opportunity to look back on the implementation of the program’s activities in 2025.

Participants shared best practices observed throughout the implementation, identified challenges encountered, and discussed areas for improvement to further improve the conduct of Farmers’ Field Days.

The SCALE UP Region 8 Project Team extends its sincere appreciation to its LGU and private sector partners for their continued collaboration and commitment, which made the year’s achievements possible.

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: Good Governance and Financial Management Training in Caibiran, Biliran

On October 22, 2025, a Good Governance and Financial Management Training was conducted at Brgy. Palanay, Caibiran, Biliran. The activity was attended by 52 farmers coming from Brgys Binohangan, Cabibihan, Maurang, Palanay, Victory, and Union.

Mr. Jose Roland T. Soria Jr., SCALE UP Field Staff, facilitated sessions on the elements of good governance and basic recordkeeping to help strengthen farmer associations and enhance their role in local agricultural development.

The Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAS), led by Municipal Agriculturist Marites G. Lipalam and Agricultural Technician Elmer S. Elorza, joined the activity to show full support for the initiative.

Mayor Rhodessa D. Revita also shared an inspirational message, encouraging farmers to remain active partners of the SCALE UP Program.

The activity concluded with participants showing strong commitment to apply the lessons learned.

: Over 150 farmers and partners participated in the Farmers’ Field Day and Farmers’ Forum on October 28 and 30, 2025, respectively, as the DA-Eastern Visayas showcased the success of the Sustainable Community-based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE UP) Program.

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