Samar State University

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JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia—Pushing forward the cause of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture in the country, Prof. Marife Mustacisa-Lacaba, Director of the Samar State University (SSU) Center for Lifelong Learning, recently joined the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development’s (DOST–PCAARRD) benchmarking visit to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on September 2-6, 2025 at Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Prof. Lacaba, alongside Mr. Engelbert R. Lalican, ISLA Program Manager and DOST’s Senior Science Research Specialist, boarded on a 4-day visit to study and adopt innovative technologies for the implementation of the ISLA: Livelihood Empowerment through Sustainable Climate-Resilient Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Enhancement (ISLA LEtS CARE) program, a community-centered initiative designed to advance sustainable agri-aqua development in small island communities.

During the benchmarking, the delegation was introduced to UTM’s pioneering research in sustainable aquaculture and climate-resilient technologies. The highlights of the visit included:

  • Site visits to the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), UTM OTEC Centre Research Facilities, and UPM I-AQUAS International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences for the observation of sustainable aquaculture and climate-resilient technology applications, and demonstration of crab culture;
  • A visit to the Sayur Kita Urban Smart Farm to benchmark innovative agriculture practices for climate resilience and sustainability, such as climate-resilient hydroponics; and
  • An exploration of smart farming technologies and data-driven agricultural practices at laboratory visits in UTM’s Innovation and Commercialization Center.

For Prof. Lacaba, the experience was a reminder that the Philippines’ research community is a committed body dedicated to service for the greater benefit of the communities it supports.

“My UTM experience showed me that while Malaysia views research as future business and the Philippines sees it as serving the community, both share a commitment to service and innovation for greater benefit,” Prof. Lacaba commented.

By aligning with global best practices, SSU and DOST–PCAARRD aim to bring back technologies that can directly benefit communities in Samar Island and in the country. The productive visit was fully funded by the DOST–PCAARRD Foreign Travel Fund.