SLSU-Hinunangan Faculty Pioneers GIS-Based Climate Solutions, Wins Top Award at AGRICO 2025
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)-Hinunangan faculty member Engr. Ana Mae Aquino-Cuta brought pride to the Philippines after being awarded Best Presenter in the Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices Category at the 12th International Conference on Agriculture (AGRICO 2025) held in Bangkok, Thailand from September 22–23, 2025.
Her research, entitled “Geo-Spatial Watershed Assessment for Climate-Smart Agricultural Interventions: A GIS-based Approach in Silago Watershed, Southern Leyte, Philippines,” highlighted the use of geospatial tools in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in slope-based and watershed-dependent communities.
AGRICO 2025, held under the theme “Innovation Lightens the Future Way for Global Sustainable Food Security,” gathered more than 160 participants from over 30 countries, including scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The two-day event served as a platform to exchange knowledge and innovations on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security.
In her winning presentation, Engr. Aquino-Cuta underscored the urgent need to adopt locally adapted, technology-driven solutions to address the challenges faced by farming communities in fragile ecosystems. “Innovation must be context-sensitive. While advanced tools like GIS, drones, and sensors are valuable, they must always be adapted to the realities of farmers, landscapes, and socio-economic conditions,” she emphasized.
Knowledge Sharing and Global Linkages
The conference featured plenary talks on integrating robotics, sensing technologies, and sustainability frameworks in agriculture. Technical sessions showcased climate-resilient practices across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while workshops and poster sessions highlighted practical applications of smart farming technologies.
Engr. Aquino-Cuta’s participation also opened opportunities for international collaboration. She networked with experts in agroforestry, erosion control, and watershed modeling, including prospective partners from Sri Lanka and Australia. These linkages are expected to strengthen comparative research initiatives and collaborative projects that will benefit both local and global agricultural communities.
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Her work directly contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By applying GIS-based watershed management strategies, her research promotes sustainable farming practices that not only increase food security but also ensure ecological resilience amid climate change.
SLSU’s Commitment to Research and Community Development
SLSU-Hinunangan continues to push for academic excellence and community-focused innovation through research addressing pressing global and local concerns. Aquino-Cuta’s achievement exemplifies the university’s mission to empower communities through science-based, climate-smart agricultural solutions.
“This recognition is not only for me but for our institution and community,” Engr. Aquino-Cuta said. “What I learned from AGRICO 2025 will help strengthen our watershed research program in Silago and beyond, ensuring that our farmers are better equipped to face the realities of climate change.”
Her next steps include piloting automated soil moisture monitoring systems, integrating multi-scenario modeling for watershed interventions, and sharing insights through seminars with colleagues and local stakeholders.
With this milestone, SLSU-Hinunangan reaffirms its vision of producing globally competent graduates and research outputs that contribute to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and resilient rural livelihoods.