The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has introduced the Intelligent Green Box (IGB) technology to benefit the farming communities in Leyte.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DOST-VIII’s introduction of customized indoor farming technology was made possible through the agency’s Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) program.
He said the IGB is suitable to the climatic conditions in Eastern Visayas.
“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,” the DOST chief said.
He said the project is guided by iSTART lead consultants, academician Dr. Alvin Culaba, and Dr. Joel Cuello of the University of Arizona in the United States.
De la Peña recalled that a research station was established at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City in 2020.
He said a Bio-Imagineering team was also formed to learn about the technology.
This year saw the establishment of another IGB at the La Granja de Reyna Farm in Barangay Bagacay, Tacloban City.
La Granja farm serves as a farmer training facility to the approximately 400 farmer associations in Leyte.
Under the iSTART program, the Local Government Units (LGUs) will be assisted in developing a technology-based development plan for the agri-based, manufacturing, and services sectors.
The DOST will also aid the LGUs in attracting new technology-based investments in accordance with the validated development plans in collaboration with the LGUs; and in engaging researchers, scientists and engineers who will support technology-based investments and projects in the region.