Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division 2022 Annual Report The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division (ABE) is an Interim Unit created through the Special Order No. 28 Series of 2021 to strengthen the provision of agricultural and biosystems engineering services of the sugarcane industry. The division handles the ABE-related programs/projects such as, but not limited to, farm mechanization, agricultural infrastructure projects, irrigation, sugarcane mapping and crop estimate data processing. A. SUGARCANE FARM MECHANIZATION PROGRAM Approved Budget: PhP 875,336.00 I . Highlights of Accomplishment Included in the functions of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Division under the sugarcane farm mechanization program are assessment, inventories, monitoring, evaluation, and assistance in the distribution of sugarcane farm machinery, implements and equipment. ABE also conducted training on Farm Machinery Operations for Block Farms covering lectures on sugarcane farming system, proper maintenance of farm tractors and implements and actual demonstration of farm operations. The Officer-in Charge (OIC) of the Division is a Technical Working Group member of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) in SRA, Quezon City and Regional BAC in SRA, Bacolod City for farm machinery, equipment, implements and other agricultural engineering projects. He conducted post-qualification evaluation, on-site inspection and actual demonstration of farm tractors and implements. The OIC also supervised the training for tractor operators. The training includes orientation on the features and mechanism of the machinery, proper care and maintenance and actual driving. The ABE conducted a total of 127 assessments and technical assistance to Block Farms, Mill District Development Councils, and other sugarcane farmer’s associations. The activities also involved inspection and actual field testing of farm tractors, implements, irrigation facilities and harvesting equipment. The personnel had 16 coordination activities with other agencies like BAFE, PCAF, PRDP, PhilMech, UPLB and DA regarding mechanization, agricultural and fisheries machinery service centers, irrigation and FMR. Trainings for Block Farm members were conducted in Balayan, Don Pedro and Bukidnon Mill Districts involving 38 Block Farms with a total of 216 participants.
Table 1. Inventory of Sugarcane Farm Machineries and Equipment in Luzon Mill Districts Table 2. Block Farm Machinery Utilization Assessment Table 3. Training on Farm Machinery Operation for SIDA-Block Farms in Bukidnon and Batangas. II. Best Practices The ABE conducted assessments on the utilization of the farm machinery and implements distributed by SRA to the different Block Farms. During the conducted assessment, concerns, and issues relative to machinery operations were raised. In dealing with the issues, the ABE personnel conducted actual training on the proper operation of farm machinery and implements. The activities covered lectures on the sugarcane farming system, actual demonstration, and hands-on training for the tractor operators. This is one way of strengthening SRA’s support to Block Farms particularly in mechanization.
III. Photo Documentation Sugarcane Farm Mechanization Program Conduct of post-qualification evaluation for 4 units 120-hp tractor at Taguig (Supplier’s warehouse, August 18, 2022) Block Farm Machinery Utilization Assessment in Bukidnon and Davao Mill District
Actual field demonstration of power harrow (Pampanga Block Farms) and Sickle Sword Batangas Block Farms) Training on Farm Machinery for Samahang Kabuhayan ng Manobo Pulangihon Block Farm in Quezon, Bukidnon conducted on December 19-23, 2022 (left) On-site inspection of farm tractor and implement (Bukidnon, December 2022) (right) Actual field demonstration of farm tractor and implement with Super Trade Machinery Global, Inc. (Bukidnon, December 2022)
Actual field training of Block Farm members and tractor operators (Batangas) Participants of the training on Farm Machinery Operations for Block Farms of Balayan and Don Pedro Mill District, December 2022 Actual field demonstration on proper hitching and adjustment of farm implements during training on Farm Machinery Operations for Block Farms (Balayan and Don Pedro Mill Districts, December 2022)
IV. Sustainability Plan of the PAP The training on farm machinery operation and utilization assessment for SIDA- Block Farms will be continually conducted in 2023 for the other Block Farms in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Mill Districts.
B. AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT I. Highlights of Accomplishment The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Division, as a technical support group on agri-engineering related programs, was assigned to assist in the implementation of the SIDA Infrastructure Program. The Technical Working Group (TWG) is headed by Engr. Laverne C. Olalia, RDE Manager III and the Head of the ABE-Crop Estimate Team. The ABE group, in coordination with the Extension Services Division - Mill District Offices, facilitates the evaluation, monitoring and mapping of the infrastructure projects. The Infrastructure Program aims to contribute to agricultural development by providing the key sugarcane-producing areas with all weathered roads, bridges and transport infrastructures that will connect the sugarcane farms to mills, distilleries and other processing facilities. Such projects help to improve productivity, reduce postharvest losses and enhance the marketing and export of sugar and other sugarcane products. The Legal Basis On March 27, 2015, the Republic Act 10659 otherwise known as the Sugar Industry Development Act of 2015 was passed and approved. It is an act promoting and supporting the competitiveness of the sugarcane industry. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) serves as the mother guidelines in the implementation of the Infrastructure Program. As mandated by the law, the Program is being appropriated with Php 1 billion annually (50% of the mandated Php 2 billion for the SIDA programs). The budget is sub-allocated to the Mill Districts nationwide on a pro-rata basis with respect to the sugarcane plantation area of the district. RA 10659 or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2015
In addition, the Memorandum Circular 3-B Series of 2016 provides the guidelines and criteria on the prioritization of the FMR proposals. Documentary requirements, prioritization and evaluation process are also included in MC. First page and Last page of the MC 3-B, S. 2016 The Program Committee Rule 7.2 of Department of Agriculture Department Circular No. 01 Series of 2015 otherwise known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 10659 provides for the creation of the Infrastructure Program Committee (IPC). The Committee is chaired by the Sugar Regulatory Administration. The members are composed of representatives from Millers’ and Refiners’ Association (PSMA, PASRI), Farmers’ Federations (LuzonFed, Unifed, Panayfed, Confed), representative from SMPFI and other Government Agencies (Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Economic Development Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, PPA). In August 2022, the newly appointed SRA administrator, David John Thaddeus P. Alba, was designated as the new Chairman for the SIDA- Infrastructure Program Committee. Program Accomplishments Since the approval of SIDA, the Sugar Regulatory Administration was able to fund a total 269 FMR and 3 Bridge projects from its total allocation from the year 2016-2022 amounting 3.75 Billion. The SRA facilitates the identification of projects, requests for fund releases, monitoring and validation. On the other hand, the DPWH facilitates the implementation of the projects submitted by SRA for construction. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the farm‐to‐mill road and bridges construction projects under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act.
Table 4 . Total Program Allocation Fund Source (GAA) Total Fund Allocation (Php) 2016 914, 400,000.00 2017 547, 045,000.00 2018 750,000,000.00 2019 150,000,000.00 2020 325,000,000.00 2021 712,260,000.00 2022 356,130,000.00 Grand Total 3,754,835,000.00 Table 5. Total Funded Projects Fund Source (GAA) Farm‐to‐Mill Road Bridge No. of Projects Funded Length (km) No. of Projects Funded Length (m) 2016 43 72.185 2017 38 30.642 2018 45 47.640 2019 6 7.905 2 43 2020 37 21.345 1 17 2021 56 46.286 2022 42 19.785 Grand Total 269 245.79 3 57 For FY 2022, 38 FMR projects were approved for funding under GAA 2022. Out of the 38, 6 were already completed, 28 are under construction, 6 which are awarded but not yet started with the construction and 2 that are still in the pre-implementation stage. Furthermore, 50 projects funded under the 2021 GAA have been completed. (See Annex A, list and status of approved 2021 and 2022 GAA project) In addition, the Program has a recommended budget of Php 500 million for its FMR and bridge project for FY 2023. Moreover, during the committee meeting on December 7, 2022, a total of 37 FMR projects with a total of 26.71 kilometers in length and one (1) 20-meter bridge project has been endorsed by the Committee on for funding under the 2023 GAA. (List of endorsed projects attached as Annex B). Table 6. Breakdown of FY 2023 Infrastructure Budget Project Type Allocation (Php) Indicative Length FMR 480,800,000.00 26.71 km Bridge 19,200,000.00 20 meters TOTAL 500,000,000.00
MONITORING The Sugar Regulatory Administration, through the Program- Technical Working Group headed by Engr. Laverne C. Olalia, facilitates the monitoring of progress of the projects. Monthly progress reports from the Mill Districts nationwide are being submitted and consolidated by the TWG. Overall, there are 228 completed FMR projects, 29 on-going, 6 which are already awarded but the construction has not yet started, 2 under preimplementation stage and 3 unimplemented projects due to unresolved road Right-of-Way (ROW) issues. Further, the 3 funded bridge projects were all completed. Table 7: Status Summary of the Funded Project under GAA 2016-2022 Surveying of the GAA 2022 FMR project in Crossing Igmamatay to Sitio Igmamatay, Brgy. Codcod, San Carlos, Negros Occidental, GAA 2022 Road pavement construction of the FMR in Proper Payao to Pallacon II to Sitio Mangahoycahoy, Brgy. Santol, Binalagan, Negros Occidental Completed project in Zone 3, Brgy. Pawili, Bula, Cam. Sur of Pensumil Mill District
Inspection of Completed FMRs On June 13-17, 2022, the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division, which is responsible to oversee the implementation of Agri-engineering related projects of the agency and also a part of the IPC-TWG, conducted an on-site inspection on the completed FMRs in Don Pedro and Balayan Mill Districts. The said activity was led by Engr. Patricio R. Macamos, Jr., Officer-inCharge of the Division, and assisted by the ABE staff and the technical personnel who handles the program in their respective Mill Districts. Specifications of the FMRs as indicated on the Program of Works (POW) were verified such as length, thickness and width. Table 8. Projects Inspected in Batangas Mill Districts GAA Project Type Mill District Location 1 2016 FMR Don Pedro Sitio Molino to Hukayin to Pasong Balayan, Brgy. Kapito, Lian, Batangas 2 2016 FMR Don Pedro Sitio Magyaman, Brgy. Banilad, Nasugbu, Batangas 3 2017 FMR Don Pedro Sitio Cumba to Brgy. Bulsa, Lian, Batangas 4 2018 FMR Don Pedro Mataywanak, Tuy, Batangas 5 2019 Bridge Don Pedro Brgy. Prenza Bridge, Lian, Batangas 6 2020 FMR Don Pedro Brgy. San Jose to Brgy. Dao to Brgy. Putol, Tuy 7 2021 FMR Don Pedro Brgy. Palincarao, Tuy, Batangas 8 2021 FMR Don Pedro Brgy. San Jose to Brgy. Dao to Brgy. Putol, Tuy 9 2016 FMR Balayan Brgy. Taludtod to Brgy. Lucban, Balayan 10 2016 FMR Balayan Brgy. Pantay, Makina, Brgy Munting Coral, Balayan, Batangas 11 2017 FMR Balayan Brgy. Pangao, Ibaan, Batangas 12 2018 FMR Balayan Brgy Maugat West, Padre Garcia 13 2018 FMR Balayan Brgy. Munting Tubig, Ibaan, Batangas 14 2018 FMR Balayan Brgy. Cayponce, Balayan, Batangas 15 2018 FMR Balayan Brgy. Magabe, Balayan, Batangas 16 2020 FMR Balayan Brgy. Pangao, Ibaan, Batangas (Phase II) 17 2020 FMR Balayan Brgy. Quilo-Quilo South, Padre Garcia 18 2021 FMR Balayan Brgy. Talon, San Luis, Batangas 19 2021 FMR Balayan Brgy. San Antonio, San Luis, Batangas 20 2021 FMR Balayan Brgy. Tejero, , San Luis, Batangas Indicative lengths are calculated using the current cost estimate per kilometer (Php 18M/km) SIDA‐ FMRs must have a Minimum width of 5 meters. Minimum thickness for FMRs Main Arterial: 12 inches Secondary: 10 inches
Mapping of FMRs The Memorandum Circular 3-B series of 2016 provides the basic requirements for infrastructure projects funded under the SIDA. One of which is a digitized map of where the projects are located. The projects are being validated on-site and taken a geotagged photos with a 100-meter interval. Mapping and processing of the geotags were facilitated by the TWG members from the ABE Division. For FY 2022, a total of 84 maps of proposed FMRs (kml/kmz) were produced. Sample digitized map for GAA 2022 FMR projects in various Mill Districts Sitio Divisoria to Asilang, Sampaguita, Solana, Cagayan ‐ Carsumco MD Zone 3, Brgy. Pawili, Bula, Camarines Sur – Pensumil MD So. Agho to Camandag, La Castellana‐La Carlota MD Had Rene to Margarita, Brgy. Ma‐ao, Bago City ‐ Ma‐ao MD Brgy. Donghol to Mahayag,Ormoc City, Leyte – Ormoc MD Brgy. Mahayahay, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur ‐ Davao MD Brgy. Pinilayan, Quezon, Bukidnon – Bukidnon MD
Updating of the Farm‐to‐Mill Road Network The development of the Farm-to-Mill Road Master plan is one of the provisions stated in the SIDA which will be the basis for planning and investment prioritization. Updating of the Infrastructure Plan 2021-2025 is being facilitated by the ABE division. Digitization of dirt roads potential for funding under SIDA were done with the help of the surveyors of the CE team. Maps of the mill districts nationwide are being updated. The map includes the locations of the funded, on-going and proposed dirt roads located in the vicinity of sugarcane plantations. Sample outputs for the updated FMR network maps of the Mill Districts: Pampanga (UL), Tarlac (UR),Bais Ursumco (C), Davao (LL), Cotabato (LR)
Furthermore, as one of the FMR implementing agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA), ABE personnel have attended workshops and meetings and consultations related to the formulation of the National Network of Farm-to-Market Road Master Plan 2023-2028. Kml and shapefiles of the completed projects and proposals on the pipeline were submitted to the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering for inclusion to the said Master Plan. Infrastructure Program Committee Meetings The IPC committee, with the assistance of the TWG, convenes for a meeting for the preparation of the project proposals, discussions and approval of resolutions/ guidelines developed and monitoring of program accomplishments. For the year 2022, there are 3 meetings conducted via online. (a) (b) (c) Photos shows the snapshots of the participants during the IPC meeting on December 2, 2022 (a,b) and December 7, 2022 (c).
C. CROP ESTIMATION SYSTEM I . Highlights of Accomplishment Over the past 8 years, SRA has been using this system that handles a science-based sugarcane yield estimation which intends to provide a credible sugarcane growth monitoring and yield prediction. This is centered on combining geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technology to produce a timely and near real-time decision support system for strategic planning and policy making. Its database system combines significant and vital data on agro climatic conditions, crop damage monitoring and actual production data. Using the infrastructure support of DOST-ASTI, yield map automation processing is made possible through their high-performance computer facility. Overall, this system intends to provide a reliable crop monitoring system as well as rapid and comprehensive data analysis to support our crop estimate. Three key technological pillars served as the foundation of the SRA-CE System: digitization of sugarcane fields using satellite images, geo-database system and deep learning analytics. Key Priority Areas: ● Digital Mapping ● Crop Monitoring ● Satellite Data Processing ● Agro Climatic Monitoring ● Technology Transfer ● Attended/Conducted Trainings ● Online Meetings ● Collaborative Engagement ● Technical Assistance II. Best Practices ● DIGITAL MAPPING Establishing the total planted sugarcane areas nationwide and for annual updating with actual farm validation and digitization of areas using satellite images. Farm validation is where most of the leg work was done. Field by field, actual survey and data gathering were made by eleven (11) hired farm surveyors in Luzon-Mindanao. Using the recent opensource satellite images or Google Earth computer application, crop estimate personnel are working on map digitization of the validated unmapped sugarcane areas.
1. AREA VALIDATION The crop estimation team facilitates the data needed by the farm surveyors for actual surveying. Using the digitized areas converted into gpx file format which they use as base map to mobile applications like (Osmand, SOM, SW Maps GIS Collector, etc.) and other GPS devices. Pictures below show the actual field survey, sugarcane map done by farm surveyors based from the area validated per mill district. Summary of Total Area (Ha.) Validation from 1st Quarter to 4th Quarter Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Villarey, Piat 2. Brgy. San Pedro kalinga 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Carsumco Mill District, Jaymark T. Bibbigan
Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Minanga, San Mariano 2. Brgy. Villapaz, Naguilian, Isabela 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Isabela Mill District, Rosetom Marzan Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Valete, Tarlac City 2. Brgy. Caturay, Gerona 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Tarlac Mill District, Darryl Austria
Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Dampe, Floridablanca 2. Magalang, Pampanga, 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Pampanga Mill District, Jerome B. Perez Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Magabe, Balayan 2. Brgy. Lagnas, Balayan, 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Balayan Mill District, Erwin Relevo
Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Lumbangan, Tuy 2. Brgy. Luntal, Tuy, Batangas 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Don Pedro Mill District, Mark John Villafranca Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. Bagong sirang, Pili Tuy 2. Brgy. Del Rosario, Pili 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Pensumil Mill District, Ramon Jester Lauang
Area Validation conducted at 1. Brgy. San isidro, Malalag 2. Brgy. Cogon Bacaca 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Davao Mill District, Joemar Embodo Area Validation conducted at 1. OADI, Maramag 2. Quezon, Bukidnon 3. The Sugarcane Map by farm surveyor of Bukidnon Mill District, Carloweh Blanco and Sirvillano Longakit Jr.
● CROP MONITORING 1. Typhoon Damage Monitoring The typhoon – affected sugarcane areas were monitored by the respective mill district offices with the assistance of the Crop Estimate Team for a quick and reliable damage assessment. Due to limitations in assessing the extensive damages in the ground during and after the calamity, our system uses remote sensing technology in processing satellite images and available weather data to produce rainfall graphs and typhoon risk areas. Data from PAGASA were also used to determine the typhoon track and extent of damage. Sample below, shows the extent of the typhoon in Tarlac and Pampanga Mill District. The total sugarcane areas (based on SRA digitized maps) were also highlighted in this report to facilitate the formulation of rehabilitation measures. Super Typhoon Situation Overview: TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN NO. 21, Super Typhoon “KARDING” (NORU) Issued at 2:00 AM, 26 September 2022. The center of the eye of Typhoon “KARDING” was in the vicinity of Mayantoc, Tarlac (15.5°N, 120.3°E). Maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 230 km/h, and central pressure of 935 hPa . Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 270 km from the center.
The Crop Estimate Team conducted a typhoon damage assessment in Tarlac Mill District on September 27, 2022, in the Municipalities of Concepcion, Paniqui and Victoria and on September 28, 2022 in Porac and Arayat, Pampanga. Below were the ground data gathered during the said assessment. Above table is the average sampling data gathered in the municipalities of Concepcion, Paniqui and Victoria, Tarlac Above table is the average sampling data gathered in the municipalities of Porac and Arayat, Pampanga
Sugarcane Areas in Tarlac Mill District during the conducted Typhoon “Karding” Damage Assessment Sugarcane Areas in Pampanga Mill District during the conducted. Typhoon “Karding” Damage Assessment Physical damage like shredded leaves, uprooted, lodged cane and flooded areas were observed due to Super Typhoon with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 4 (TCWS #4), strong typhoonforce winds extend up to 270 and maximum gustiness of 230 km/h. 2. Sampling The actual field observation and measurement of growth parameters of sugarcane is done to validate and calibrate the yield forecast. Sampling sites were established for the early, mid, and late milling canes. The same locations of sampling areas were visited within the same period year after year. Summary of total sampling sites from January to December 2022
Actual gathering of sampling data (brix, length, weight, diameter and millable stalks) using different sampling tools. ● SATELLITE DATA PROCESSING The SRA Crop Estimation System continued the collaboration with DOST ASTI on the automation process of yield map. Currently, The CES is using the high-performance computing of DOST-ASTI for the satellite image downloading and processing of yield maps covering all mill districts nationwide. The MOA between SRA and DOST ASTI granted the office a computing power of up to 240 cores, a scratch directory of up to 10 TB and a home directory of 100GB which is far larger compared to a normal personal computer. Aside from this, SRA is also eligible to use the DOSTASTI science cloud for the data and satellite images storage. Currently, the Crop Estimate team has a multi-account designation to handle the high volume of satellite downloading and yield map processing. The below images are the sample output of yield mapping.
● AGRO-CLIMATIC MONITORING 1. AWS Repair and Maintenance Automatic Weather Station (AWS) is used to measure, record, and transmit weather parameters. The installation of AWS started last year 2017 but general maintenance check-ups were halted during the pandemic. As covid cases were starting to decline and travel were starting to resume with proper observance of safety protocols the SRA-CEP team checked and repaired the units despite challenging weather conditions to ensure the physical integrity of the AWS units and its continuous gathering of agro-meteorological data used in Crop Estimation. Table below shows the conducted major repair and maintenance on the following AWS sites LOCATION NO. OF UNITS DATE Bukidnon 5 March 07-11, 2022 Negros Island 19 April 4-13, 2022 | Oct. 11-14 & 17-21, 2022 Panay Island 4 April 19-22, 2022 Cebu & Leyte 3 April 26-29, 2022 Batangas & Bicol 4 June 6-10, 2022 Pampanga 1 November 10, 2022 Tarlac 1 July 7, 2022
During the repair of AWS at Ma‐ao MD During the repair of AWS at Iloilo MD (Non‐functional Data Logger) (Non‐functional Data Logger) During the repair of AWS at Capiz MD During the repair of AWS at Lopez MD (Non‐functional Data Logger | Poor Signal Strength) (Non‐functional Data Logger | Poor Signal Strength) During the repair of AWS at Sagay MD During the repair of AWS unit at BISCOM MD (Newly‐provided Battery) (Relocated | Newly‐provided Battery)
HWM Datagate interface (AWS Site Map) Data Source:http://124.105.105.51/datagate/Secure/Summary.aspx The forty (40) Automatic Weather Station portal of SRA can be access at the bottom options of the Sugar Regulatory Administration website (www.sra.gov.ph) provided a prior user access request is made and submitted to the Crop Estimate office. You can visit the link below for the AWS detailed Status: You can visit the link below for the AWS detailed Status: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zVgXIQE‐ iMeb2ahC4NW1LYRnhmY4y1O1N4tZc9vARCU/edit#gid=0 2. Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Data The CE team consolidates weather data on a weekly and monthly basis to assess the agroclimatic conditions in sugarcane areas as well as the effect on growth and yield. The AWS provides weather data in 15-minute intervals including Temperature (°C), Relative Humidity (%), Solar Radiation (W·m-2), Air Pressure (hPa) and Rainfall (mm). Below are the sample graphs of Rainfall and Solar Radiation data from AWS. Below table are the sample cumulative data of Rainfall and Solar Radiation.
Sample Output: Rainfall (mm) of Lopez MDDC from 2017‐2022 (2 mos. buffer) Sample Output: Solar Radiation (W·m‐2) of Lopez MDDC from 2017‐2022 (2 mos. buffer) 3. GLAM (GIMMS Global Agricultural Monitoring) The Crop Estimation System team gathers NDVI* data from the GIMMS Global Agricultural Monitoring (GLAM) interface and retrieves MODIS NDVI time-series data. The GIMMS GLAM system provides near real-time and science quality Terra MODIS 8-day composited, global NDVI datasets. Data for sugarcane provinces outside the Negros Island were gathered using the Admin Level 2 boundary (provincial) and for Negros island, we use the LIS 0.25 degree boundary or simply the MODIS satellite tile boundary that covers the specific Mill District in Negros. Data source: https://glam1.gsfc.nasa.gov/?fbclid=IwAR1e6SsoiHlsykUdMOrratOoTL8F_RiOBzuIkOSQtcgNstbTgIC6yfbz3JA
Sample Output: Processed 8‐day NDVI data of Bacolod‐Murcia MD from 2017‐2022 with 2 mos. buffer Sample Output: Seasonal Time Series for Terra MODIS 8‐day NDVI data of Bacolod‐Murcia MD from 2015‐ 2022 *measure of greenness/health of vegetation (https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/MeasuringVegetation/measuring_vegetation_2.php) 4. JASMIN (JAXA’s Satellite‐based MonItoring Network system for FAO AMIS Market Monitor) The JASMIN is an open-source website for meteorological data hosted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Data gathered includes Precipitation (mm), Soil Moisture (%vol), Solar Radiation (W/m^2), Drought Index (Unitless), and Vegetation Indexes (index) which are in .csv format, and a 15-day interval except for drought index which is in a daily format. Data is limited to provincial boundaries and selected cities of the country. The Crop Estimation Team summarizes the available data from the sugarcane–15 provinces and 1 city of the country which includes: Cagayan, Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Batangas, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Bacolod City, Cebu, Leyte, Cotabato, Bukidnon, and Davao del Sur. (Data Source: https://suzaku.eorc.jaxa.jp/JASMIN/index.html).
Sample Output: Precipitation data of Neg. Occ. (2016 to 2022) Sample Output: Soil Moisture data of Neg. Occ. (2016 to 2022) Sample Output: Drought Index data of Neg. Occ. (2016 to 2022)
Sample Output: Solar Radiation data of Neg. Occ. (2016 to 2022) 5. DOST‐ASTI Phil Sensor The station monitors real-time rainfall data and water level changes in specific localities all over the country; The gathered water level and rainfall data can be viewed and accessed through the Philsensor website managed by ASTI; and the station is controlled by the data logger (arQ) developed by ASTI. Data Source: https://philsensors.asti.dost.gov.ph/ Data Output: Precipitation (mm) data under Victorias and Lopez MD of Philsensor’s AWS
Sample Data Output: Precipitation (mm) data under Victorias and Lopez MD of Philsensor’s AWS 6. DOST‐PAGASA Delivers reliable and relevant weather-related information, products, and services to develop communities resilient to typhoons, rain-induced landslides, storm surges, extreme climatic events, climate change and astronomical hazards. The major services provided by PAGASA include the provision of weather forecasts and tropical cyclone warnings, flood bulletins and advisories, hydrological, climatological and farm weather forecasts. DESCRIPTION: Warm (red) and cold (blue) periods based on a threshold of +/- 0.5oC for the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) [3 month running mean of ERSST.v5 SST anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region (5oN-5oS, 120o170oW)], based on centered 30-year base periods updated every 5 years. Historical El Niño and La Niña Episodes
● TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 1. PSAU GIS Training The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), together with the Department of Resource Engineering and Agricultural Mechanization (DREAM) organized a workshop and training on the use of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) as decision support tools in various agricultural engineering applications last October 13-14, 2022, at the College of Engineering and Computer Studies (COECS) Building, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga. The two-day activity was participated in by the fourth-year Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students at the university, who, according to COECS Dean Dr. Madeliene Solis in her opening remarks, are the "Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan." With the pandemic disrupting campus life and batches finishing most of their learning online, this is in fact the first face-to-face activity attended by the ABE students who are finally back to school. The training/workshop involved eminent resource persons, including Science Research Specialists, Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio-Teopo, who discussed the various GIS processing software and gave lectures about Google Earth Pro, Trackmaker, DNRGPS, and Geosetter. Engr. Camille Joyce Martin, on the other hand, presented the introduction of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and their applications to agriculture. Also, agricultural and biosystems engineers, namely Engr. Casey Jane Cagatin and Engr. Jezelle Salayon, who lectured about the familiarization of ArcGIS Mapping Tools and QGIS Mapping Tools, respectively. On the first day, the lectures were discussed, followed by actual demonstrations. On the second day, the participants were able to gather data using the Field Scout soil moisture reader and GPS surveying using Garmin GPS. Lastly, the presentation of outputs was presented by each group, and shared what they had learned from the training. After the awarding of certificates to participants, Engr. Laverne Olalia, the OIC of the SRA-Luzon Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Floridablanca, Pampanga, delivered a closing remark to the participants. Two days is barely enough for the conduct of seminars and workshops for software like GIS and RS. The SRA is always open to those who want to improve their skills and level of knowledge on this software. Nonetheless, the SRA-ABE has held various seminars on GIS, and they are looking forward to continuing it for the next few year The SRA‐ABE Personnel together with the 4th yr ABE students of PSAU
The SRA‐ABE conducted various hands‐on activities during the two (2) days training
● OTHER ATTENDED/CONDUCTED TRAININGS 1. Preparatory Training for Remote Sensing Due to the increasing number of positive cases of COVID, social gatherings were prohibited, some important events were canceled, and face-to-face seminars and training were rescheduled. Thankfully, after years and months of adjustments, Metro Manila and other areas are now under Alert Level 1 Face-to-face programs are now resuming with proper health protocols observed. Virtual-Seminar no morel! The crop estimate team, headed by Engr. Laverne C. Olalia, hosted the first-ever face-to-face training for the year 2022. This is a week-long seminar all about the software and applications that were mostly used during the processing of data for the team’s projects. This training was intended for the new staff of the crop estimate team, namely, Engr. Casey Jane Cagatin (Engr. I), Mr. Ariel Isturis (SRS I), and Mr. Marby Gonzales (ISR I). On their arrival (March 21, 2022), they reported to SRA-LAREC for the installation of the GIS, Google Earth, DNR Garmin, GPS Trackmaker, and applications for mapping. On the second day of the training (March 22, 2022), Engr. Cagatin discussed sugarcane digitization using Google Earth Pro, introduced the basic tools, its functions, how to properly save and convert a specific file, etc. Through her demonstration, they learned how to digitize sugarcane areas, know their specific measurements, and how to add paths, placemarks, polygons, and other functions as well. The next presenter was Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio (SRS I). She tackled DNR Garmin, Geosetter, GPS Trackmaker, GPS, and some mobile apps that the team is using during crop estimate and area validation. The basic formats of a specific application and how to convert them in order for the file to be opened in other software were demonstrated. Mr. Rolando Torres, Jr. (SRS I), discussed GIS and the difference between ArcGIS and QGIS. The trainees were introduced to vectors (points, polygons, and lines) and raster (pictures and pixels). He also discussed the basic operations, tools, and functions that can be found in ArcGIS: the ArcCatalog (this window can organize and manage various types of geographic info for ArcGIS Desktop), ArcMap (the main component of the ArcGIS suite of geospatial processing programs to view, edit, create, and analyze data), and ArcToolbox (here one can use a set of specialized tools for spatial analysis). Clipping, merge, spatial join, and centroid processing were also taught. Module exercises were given individually (creating a map with a legend, north arrows, and labeling different provinces and municipalities). During the third day of training (March 23, 2022), Mr. Torres continued to discuss his remaining topics. They had their modules before them while he was presenting how to layout a map. By the end of the exercise, an output must be a sugarcane map of the La Carlota Mill District with a legend about the digitized sugarcane area, roads, and waterways. Later on, Mr. Rolando Torres discussed map anatomy, tabular data, and spatial analysis and generated maps and charts from statistical data. Learning GIS is not easy, and it is certainly not a piece of cake! It takes a lot of patience, understanding, and constant practice for someone not to forget the steps and tricks when creating and doing the map layout. This allows one to monitor and visualize things without having to visit the actual sugarcane fields.
Before the fourth day of the training started, Engr. Laverne Olalia (Crop Estimate -TWG Head) discussed the objectives of crop estimation. He presented the process used by the SRA-Crop Estimation Team as well as the adopted technologies and software like geographic information systems, remote sensing, etc. The significance of the crop estimation output serves as one of the bases for regulating sugar (MT). As the hands-on training continues to exercise 5- interpolation and surface analysis, the trainees will be able to derive continuous surfaces from point data through interpolation, compare different interpolation techniques, assess the accuracy of interpolated surfaces, analyze surfaces, generate surface characteristics and metrics, and lastly, be able to delineate watersheds. Mr. Rolando Torres (Science Research Specialist I) discussed the interpolation overview and methods and ran through the steps from data preparation up until having three (3) outputs, namely: a contour map, a slope map, and an aspect map. During the afternoon session, training proceeded to the actual processing of the field surveyor’s validated data, where Ms. Patricia Cosio (Science Research Specialist I) discussed the importance of each data. The trainees were given an assigned mill district to process its validated sugarcane map. Trainees must do data preparation, conversion of data, joining of validated sugarcane plots, and must have an output map with a table where the total area (Ha) of validated and unvalidated sugarcanes is shown. On the last day, all trainees presented and discussed the process flow and specific tools used on every exercise, seat work, and assignment. Also, trainees interpreted each of their outputs on the digitized sugarcane map, mill district map, slope map, contour map, aspect map, and validated sugarcane map. As a continuation of the preparatory training, the crop estimate team proceeded with the actual process of yield mapping. Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio first discussed the objectives of the topic and presented all the data needed. Right after the discussion was done, a hands-on activity was given to the trainees, where Ms. Cosio demonstrated the preparation of the .gpx files for the surveyor’s validation. The last hands-on activity was about yield estimation using ArcGIS and QGIS. All trainees went through the actual processing of yield mapping, including the preparation of datasets, sorting of attributes, joining of Excel files, layout, and interpretation of outputs. Lectures, actual mapping and processing of crop estimate data
EXERCISE OUTPUTS
2. Sugarcane Yield Mapping and Automation Process: Retooling Training DOST-ASTI and SRA have always been partners when it comes to technology advancement. The SRA is forever grateful for this collaboration. Fortunately, a two-day retooling training was held on March 29–30, 2022. Five (5) personnel from SRA-Crop Estimate participated in the said event, namely, Mr. Rolando Torres (SRS I), Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio (SRS I), Engr. Casey Jane Cagatin (Engr. I), Mr. Marby Gonzales (ISR I), and Mr. Ariel Isturis (SRS I). The first presenter, Ms. Neyzielle Ronnicque Cadiz, discussed the introduction, background, and services of CoARE (Computing and Archiving Research Environment), DATOS (Remote Sensing and Data Science), and PEDRO (Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation Center). The second presenter was Engr. John Christian Aceron, who tackled the different components of the Geographic Information System, the evolution and importance of GIS, and its basic concepts and functions. This serves as a refresher, for we are acquainted with the concepts of GIS. The next presenters were Engr. John Bart Lovern Dumalag and Engr. Roel de la Cruz. They expounded the topic regarding remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), an active form of remote sensing that utilizes the microwave band of the EM spectrum. By their presentations, we learned about the difference between active (emitting an energy source and detecting response off crop) and passive (collecting Red, Green, Blue, NIR spectrum) sensor/radar, about the polarization (cross-polarization and co-polarization), about the tips on how to minimize image speckles (the salt-and-pepper look) on a specific area, about the display on why the specific raster is darker or lighter, about the RADAR Backscatter (part of the reflected signal that reached and was measured by the sensor), about the SAR wavelength and signal penetration, about the Dielectric Constant (Influences how much of the incidence radar signal is reflected or scattered, higher dielectric constant results in higher backscatter values, higher moisture content means higher dielectric constant). We also learned about spatial resolution, which describes how much detail in the image is visible to the eye; radiometric resolution, which describes the ability of a sensor to detect reflectance differences within a spectral range; and temporal resolution, which describes the ability of a sensor to detect reflectance differences within a spectral range (MODIS: 1 day; PlanetScope: 1 day; Sentinel: 2–5 days; Landsat: 8–16 days). Furthermore, various factors like the wavelength of the signal used, polarization, the dielectric constant of the target, radar geometry, and the backscattering mechanisms can affect how objects or targets will appear in a SAR image. The last presenter during the first day of training was Sir Karl Louie Mariano. He taught us how to set up an account for the HPC (as well as the software to be downloaded on a specific device) and how to connect to the cloud. The first day of the retooling series was indeed productive and wholesome! During the last day of the retooling, Engr. Noel Jerome Borlongan, Senior Science Research Specialist from the Philippine Space Team (PhilSA), presented and discussed transferring files from VMs and vice versa, connecting to the HPC Cluster, Slurm commands, Environment modules, and submitting and canceling jobs. The discussion focuses on the significance of HPC for yield estimation. He also demonstrated how to program jobs and run scripts in connection to SRA’s yield estimation processing. During the open forum, SRA and DOST-ASTI, together with COARE and the Sensor Team, discussed some concerns like COARE user accounts and the linkage of SRA-AWS data to the dashboard, considering limitations and agreements between the agencies.
3. Google Earth Engine for Remote Sensing of Crops The Philippine Rice Research Institute sent an invitation to the Sugar Regulatory Administration for the presentation of “Learnings from Mapping Sugarcane in Tarlac Province" held on June 30, 2022 at DA-PhilRice, Nueva Ecija. The face-to-face training was attended by the Crop Estimate Team of SRA namely Engr. Laverne Olalia- (TWG Head), Rolando Torres Jr. (SRS-I), Patricia Joy Cosio (SRS-I) and Casey Jane Cagatin (Engr-I). The data they collected from the field and data shared by Engr. Laverne Olalia was presented by Mr. Franciso Tavora Jr. The aforementioned training gave the participants a chance to use Google Earth Engine as a cloud-based geospatial analysis platform that enables users to visualize, analyze satellite images and remote sensing research.
4. Drone Training The SRA Crop Estimate-Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Personnel are now one step closer to acquiring their remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) license. An exclusive drone training was conducted by the SkyPixel18 Aerial Photography Services on November 17, 2022, at the Luzon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Paguiruan, Floridablanca, Pampanga. The drone training was composed of an introduction of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) rules and regulations, flight limitations and restrictions, basic drone maintenance, the parts of a drone, and an actual demonstration, which were participated in by six (6) CE-ABE personnel, namely Engr. Laverne C. Olalia, Mr. Rolando Torres, Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio, Ariel Isturis, Engr. Casey Jane Cagatin, and Engr. Jezelle Salayon. Safety precautions in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and CAAP laws were discussed, such as the restricted areas of operations like cell sites, airports, military bases, and electrical lines. Mr. Nathaniel Ablaza, CEO of SkyPixel18 Aerial Photography Services, also emphasizes that night flying is prohibited and that only flights below 400 feet are permitted. After the lecture, some basic movements and familiarization of the controller were made, and the participants began with the actual flight figures. Some tricks were also demonstrated, such as the hand catch and release of the drone.
The UAV, commonly known as a "drone," may operate either under remote control by a human operator or autonomously by onboard computers. The CE-ABE team can now use the Mavic 3 Pro in commercial, scientific, recreational, surveillance, aerial photography, and agricultural monitoring. Mr. Ablaza discussed various information about UAV Basic movements and familiarization of UAV The ABE‐CE Team began with the actual flight figures
● ONLINE MEETINGS 1. Meeting with BUSCO Sugar Milling Co., Inc. The Sugar Regulatory Administration’s Crop Estimation Team headed by Engr. Laverne C. Olalia successfully presented the Sugarcane Agroclimatic and Sugarcane Crop Monitoring Process with the BUSCO Sugar Milling Co., Inc. personnel, which started at 9:00 am on July 26, 2022, via Zoom Meeting. The first presentation of Engr. Casey Cagatin was centered on the data gathered by the Crop Estimation Team in Bukidnon using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is derived through the Global Land Agricultural Monitoring (GLAM), and the consolidated data such as rainfall, soil moisture, solar radiation, and drought from JAXA’s satellite-based monitoring network system for the FAO AMIS Market Monitor (JASMIN). There were five (5) automatic weather stations (AWS) in Bukidnon specifically installed at Valencia City, Don Carlos, Kalilangan, Lantapan, and Quezon. These provide weather data like temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), solar radiation (W⋅m−2), air pressure (hPa), and rainfall (mm). The AWS are under the care of the respective Mill District Development Councils (MDDC) and monitored by the mill district farm surveyor. On the other hand, Mr. Rolando Torres, Jr. introduced yield maps of various remote-sensing and geographic information system (RS-GIS) methodologies developed through the joint effort of UP Diliman and the SRA Crop Estimation Project, also known as the Yield Estimation System for Sugarcane (YESS Project). The primary data source satellite images are Sentinel 2A and B which were gathered at the Sentinel Australasia Regional Access (SARA). The input shapefiles (sugarcane areas) are based on the agency’s field validation and digitization. Cloud-covered areas were excluded from each image. The TCHA of all plots was color-coded in such a manner that greener areas have higher TCHA values compared to red ones. Engr. Laverne Olalia highlighted those indicators for credible sugarcane growth monitoring and yield prediction. Its database system combines significant and vital data on agro-climatic conditions, crop damage monitoring, and actual production data. Furthermore, these data are timely and near real-time decision support systems for sugarcane planting strategic planning and policy making. Before the meeting ended, Engr. Eduard Carlos of BUSCO expressed his gratitude and mentioned that they were appreciative of the resources and expertise they were given by the Sugar Regulatory Administration. Photo documentation during the online meeting
2. Google Earth Engine for Remote Sensing of Crops "Learnings from Mapping Sugarcane in Tarlac Province." The Philippine Rice Research Institute invited the Sugar Regulatory Administration to a webinar or Lifelong Learning Series titled "Google Earth Engine for Remote Sensing of Crops: Learnings from Mapping Sugarcane in Tarlac Province," held on June 24, 2022, at 1:00 pm via Zoom. The data collected from the field, the data shared by the SRA and output of the studies are presented at the webinar. Below are some photos during the webinar and discussion about sugarcane mapping with the use of GEE. 3. Year‐End Assessment and Retooling The Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Division held the first ever full-force face-toface “Retooling Activities and Year-End Assessment” after the pandemic, held at SRA-LAREC and Microtel, San Fernando, Pampanga, respectively, dated December 13-15, 2022. Spearheaded by Engr. Laverne C. Olalia, RDE Manager III, Luzon & Mindanao and Engr. Patricio Macamos Jr., OICABE Division. All ABE personnel from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao actively participated in the said event. Engr. Macamos warmly welcomed the team during the retooling program and had a meaningful discussion on farm machinery operations and actual procedure on sugarcane sampling, followed by the presentation and actual demonstration regarding unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation by Mr. Rolando Torres Jr., SRS I. The next day, Engr. Olalia enthusiastically delivered his opening remarks and gave innovative insights to help field surveyors develop good working habits and good relations with the farm owners and planters. Field Surveyors from Luzon and Mindanao Mill Districts inventively presented their report with their overall accomplishments for the year 2022, namely: Mr.
Jaymark Bibbigan of CARSUMCO MD, Mr. Rustom Marzan of Isabela MD, Mr. Jerome Perez of Pampanga MD, Mr. Mark John Villafranca of Don Pedro MD, Mr. Erwin Relevo of Balayan MD, Engr. Ramon Jester Lauang of PENSUMIL District, Engr. Joemar Embodo of Davao MD, Mr. Carloweh Blanco, and Mr. Sirvillano Longakit Jr. of Bukidnon MD. (see the attached presentation slide on Annex D) Hands-on activities on various softwares, smartphone applications, and procedures that are used in data processing was conducted on the third day with the following topics and presenters: Introduction on Geographic Information System (GIS) & Remote Sensing | Engr. Camille Joyce Martin, OsmAnd Maps & Navigation and PRDP Geotagging Application | Engr. Casey Jane Cagatin, Google Earth Pro and GeoSetter Software | Mr. Ariel Isturis, Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) Software | Engr. Jezelle Salayon, ArcGIS Software | Mr. Rolando Torres Jr., and Basic Data Conversion | Ms. Patricia Joy Cosio. Furthermore, Engr. Laverne C. Olalia discussed the Yield Estimation System for Sugarcane (YESS), GPS Technology, GIS, Remote Sensing and machine learning, sampling, field assessment, and analyzing the graph for Crop Estimate updates. The participants were able to submit their output on Google Earth Pro (Lines, Points, and Polygons in KML file format and an exported map in JPEG with Legend), QGIS (exported Map location of Farm Machineries with Legend), Graph (Weekly raw sugar production–in MT | C.Y. 2015-2016 & 2016-2017), and ArcGIS (exported Elevation Map, Slope Map, Soil Erosion Map, and Soil Series/Texture Map–in JPEG with Legend). (see the attached output maps on Annex E) Issues & Concern ● ARCGIS software and Microsoft office are not licensed. ● Personal protective equipment is required to ensure the safety of the surveyors during field work. ● Lack of sampling tools such as caliper, weighing scale and measuring tape. ● Difficulty on validating some critical areas in the district especially those privately owned. ● Lack of functional PC or laptop to be used when processing the data. ● Additional training relative to GIS application to enhance the ability to visualize different types of data, uncover patterns, understand trends, monitor changes, respond to events and facilitate better decision making. ● Allowance for gas and motorcycle maintenance since fuel price is still rising. ● Request for service vehicles, particularly motorcycles that can be utilized for area monitoring and can access mountainous/muddy sugarcane areas during the rainy season and typhoon damage assessment. ● Health insurance is required since the job involves conducting area validation, which is more likely prone to vehicular accidents. Ways Forward ● Outreach Program for Sugarcane Industry (OPSI) Training ● Incorporating the actual data gathered on field with the weather data that are available.
DOCUMENTATION ABE Year‐End Assessment (Day 1) conducted at LAREC, Floridablanca, Pampanga Demonstration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation by Mr. Rolando Torres Jr. Engr. Macamos discussed various farm machineries.
Discussion and presentation on various GIS software’s and smartphone applications
Hands‐on activities on various GIS software’s and smartphone applications
● COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT 1. SRA‐Web Analytics Platform (SRA‐WAP) DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute, through its projects and services (i.e., DATOS, PEDRO, SARWAIS) has developed web applications for various and diverse purposes. Notably, among which are the COVID-19 Analytics Platform, SIYASAT Portal, PEDRO Portal, Space Data Dashboard, among others. These web platforms demonstrated the use of science cloud, computing, and analytics designed to cater various geospatial needs in an efficient, rapid, and secure manner. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has been working with DOST- Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) for the establishment of an automated system for sugarcane yield estimation which aims at enhancing the capability of SRA personnel and to have a yield forecast estimates with a more timely and scientific manner through the analysis of various multi-temporal satellite images and processes. SRA's role in the sugarcane industry is not only to formulate responsive policies but also to ensure sustainable crop productivity which requires the integration and analysis of various data. Diverse datasets like yield maps, weather data, supply and demand among others need to be presented in a more informative matter. In this regard, web-based analytics will handle our requirement for efficient database management and translate these data into dynamic solutions that will boost information distribution and improve our decision-making process. The primary objective of the project is to establish a dynamic webGIS-based system with data analytics that will integrate various datasets and visualize this essential information to support decisions related to sugarcane monitoring, yield estimation, and dissemination of information to various stakeholders. DOST- ADVANCED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (DOST-ASTI) will take the lead of the proposed project “SRA-Web Analytics Platform (SRA-WAP)” with a proposed budget of ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX PESOS and FORTY Centavos (PhP1,686,886.40). The Memorandum of Agreement between Sugar Regulatory Administration and DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute was notarized on December 21, 2022, and ready for implementation.
2. Aerial Drone Shots for Damage Assessment ‐ Philippines Space Agency (PhilSA) The recent onslaught of Super Typhoon “Karding'' in Central Luzon dated September 25-26, 2022, affected the major sugarcane areas of Tarlac and northern part of Pampanga. Based on the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Number 21 issued by DOST-PAGASA the center of the eye of super typhoon was located in the vicinity of Mayantoc, Tarlac at 02:00AM of September 26, 2022 with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 230hPa and strong winds extend outwards up to 270 km from the center. Tarlac is one of the key sugarcane producing provinces in the Philippines having a total area of 6,609.17 ha. especially in Central Luzon. Based on the actual field validation assessment on September 28, 2022, most of the damaged sugarcane had shredded leaves, broken stalks, lodged and some were flooded. The team of PhilSA with the assistance of CE and mill district personnel of Tarlac conducted an aerial validation of the damaged sugarcane areas on October 6 and 7, 2022 in Concepcion and Paniqui Tarlac. The objective of the mission is to collect baseline information on the affected sugarcane (using different sensors) that will facilitate SRA in developing a Rapid Image-Based TY Damage Assessment protocol for sugarcane. Paniqui , Tarlac (RGB Mosaic image with Stretched symbology) RGB Image Multi‐Spectral