𝗕𝗔𝗨𝗞𝗢, 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 — The Mountain Province State University (MPSU) ClimaPestDetect Project Team, headed by Dr. Edgar G. Cue, conducted a two-day capacity-building training on June 16–17, 2026, at the Bauko Municipal Hall, introducing local farmers and agricultural extension personnel to the project’s newly developed digital platforms for pest and disease monitoring and early detection.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Hyacinth B. Dioso, Mr. Jason A. Elias, and Mr. Elmer D. Pakipac and brought together 35 participants composed of farmers and technical personnel from the Bauko Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg). The activity aimed to strengthen the participants’ capacity to use digital technologies that support timely pest and disease identification and improve on-farm decision-making.
Bauko is one of the major producers of highland vegetables in the Cordillera, where crops such as potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers contribute significantly to the local economy. However, changing climatic conditions have made these crops increasingly vulnerable to pest and disease outbreaks, often prompting farmers to rely heavily on chemical pesticides based on visual observations and experience.
Through hands-on demonstrations, participants learned how to use the ClimaPestDetect mobile application, which features a camera-based diagnostic tool capable of identifying common pests and diseases affecting highland vegetables. They also explored the project’s web platform, where agricultural technicians were introduced to biological heatmaps and other monitoring tools that can help identify emerging pest and disease hotspots. These technologies are designed to support more timely, science-based recommendations and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices within farming communities.
During the open forum, farmers and agricultural technicians shared their experiences, observations, and suggestions after using the application in simulated field conditions. Their feedback will help the research team further refine the system to ensure that it is user-friendly, practical, and responsive to the needs of local farmers before its full deployment.
The activity marks another significant milestone of the ClimaPestDetect Project, demonstrating how research and digital innovation can be translated into practical tools that support climate-smart agriculture. Through close collaboration among researchers, agricultural extension workers, and farmers, the project continues to strengthen local capacity for sustainable crop protection and more informed agricultural decision-making in the Municipality of Bauko.
