EcoIlluminate

22/06/2026

EcoIlluminate Project Conducts Focus Group Discussion and System Orientation in Isabela

City of Ilagan, Isabela | June 22, 2026 — The EcoIlluminate Project, titled "EcoIlluminate: A Smart Solar-Powered UV Light Trap for Early Detection, Monitoring, and Mapping of Rice Black Bugs (Scotinophara coarctata, Fabricius) Powered by AI and IoT," successfully conducted its Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and System Orientation on June 22, 2026, at the Regional Crop Protection Center in the City of Ilagan, Isabela.

The project is implemented by Isabela State University (ISU) and is funded under the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program. The initiative is led by Dr. Irma T. Plata, with the goal of harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable solar energy to provide early detection, real-time monitoring, and mapping of rice black bug (Scotinophara coarctata, Fabricius) infestations. The system is envisioned to support farmers, researchers, and agricultural agencies in making timely, science-based pest management decisions.

The activity gathered researchers, agricultural experts, government partners, and stakeholders to introduce the EcoIluminate system and solicit valuable feedback that will further improve its usability, functionality, and effectiveness for field deployment.

Representing the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office II was Roynic Y. Aquino, OIC Manager of the Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD) Regional Crop Protection Center, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Also participating was the Municipality of Mallig, Isabela, represented by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist headed by Edwin DC Domingo, MPA, demonstrating the local government's support for innovative technologies that strengthen sustainable rice production and integrated pest management.

The System Orientation provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the EcoIluminate platform, including its AI-powered pest detection capabilities, IoT-enabled smart solar-powered UV light trap, environmental data collection, geospatial mapping features, and web-based monitoring dashboard. Participants also observed how the system automatically captures and transmits field data, enabling agricultural personnel to monitor pest populations efficiently and respond promptly to emerging infestations.

Following the orientation, a Focus Group Discussion was conducted to gather insights, recommendations, and user experiences from stakeholders. Participants discussed the system's interface, functionality, data accuracy, ease of use, and potential enhancements to ensure that the technology effectively addresses the needs of farmers, extension workers, and crop protection specialists.

The software development of the EcoIlluminate platform is led by Senior Developer Allan Taracatac and Developer Sabas Lazaro, who have been instrumental in designing and developing the AI- and IoT-powered monitoring system that integrates intelligent pest detection with real-time data analytics.

As climate change and increasing pest pressures continue to challenge rice production in the Philippines, EcoIluminate showcases the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, local government units, and technology developers. Through the integration of renewable energy, artificial intelligence, IoT, and geospatial technologies, the project aims to modernize pest surveillance and contribute to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

The successful conduct of the Focus Group Discussion and System Orientation marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the EcoIluminate Project. The activity reinforced the commitment of Isabela State University, DOST-PCAARRD, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office II, and local government partners to advancing smart agricultural innovations that enhance rice productivity, protect farmers' livelihoods, and support national food security.

02/02/2026

ISU Presents “Ecoilluminate” Project to the Municipal Agriculture Office and DA-PhilRice

Isabela State University (ISU) formally presented and consulted key stakeholders on its newly approved research and development initiative, “Ecoilluminate: A Smart Solar-Powered UV Light Trap for Early Detection, Monitoring, and Mapping of Rice Black Bugs (Scotinophara coarctata, Fabricius) Powered by AI and IoT.” The project is funded under the DOST-PCAARRD Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program, reinforcing national efforts to modernize pest management in rice production.

The presentation and consultation activity aimed to align the project’s objectives with local agricultural priorities and to establish collaboration with government agencies and farmer groups. It was conducted with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Alicia, Isabela, and the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

The activity was led by Dr. Irma T. Plata, Project Leader, who presented the project’s concept, technical features, and expected outcomes. Ecoilluminate integrates solar-powered UV light traps with artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable early detection, continuous monitoring, and spatial mapping of rice black bug infestations, one of the most destructive pests affecting rice crops in the Philippines. The system is designed to support data-driven decision-making for timely and sustainable pest control interventions.

Key stakeholders present during the consultation included Engr. Felino O. Fabros, Jr., Municipal Agriculturist of the Municipality of Alicia, Isabela, emphasized the importance of innovative and environmentally friendly technologies in protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Representatives from the Lateral D2 Agricultural Cooperative also participated, highlighting the project’s potential benefits for organized farmer groups and cooperative-based pest management.

The DA-PhilRice San Mateo Branch was represented by Mr. Joy Bartolome A. Duldulao, Branch Director, and Dr. Fidel M. Ramos, Assistant Branch Director. They expressed strong support for the project, noting its relevance to rice research, extension services, and national food security goals. The collaboration with PhilRice is expected to strengthen the project’s technical validation, field deployment, and scalability.

Through this presentation and consultation, ISU reaffirmed its commitment to translating research into practical agricultural solutions. The Ecoilluminate project is designed to significantly contribute to sustainable rice production by reducing crop losses, minimizing chemical pesticide use, and empowering farmers and local governments with innovative, real-time pest-monitoring technologies.

23/01/2026

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ISU - EcoIlluminate is an externally funded research project, supported by DOST-PCAARRD under the GIA program.

22/01/2026

ISU Leads Smart Agriculture Initiative for Early Detection of Rice Black Bugs in Isabela

ISABELA, Philippines — The Isabela State University has formally launched a series of project presentations, consultations, and data-gathering activities with Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) and farmer cooperatives across the province as part of a cutting-edge research initiative aimed at protecting rice production from destructive pests.

The project, titled “Ecoilluminate: A Smart Solar-Powered UV Light Trap for Early Detection, Monitoring, and Mapping of Rice Black Bugs (Scotinophara coarctata, Fabricius) Powered by AI and IoT,” is funded under the DOST-PCAARRD GIA Program. It introduces an innovative, technology-driven approach to pest surveillance by combining renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Led by Dr. Irma T. Plata, the project aims to address the recurring threat posed by Rice Black Bugs, one of the most damaging pests affecting rice farms in Isabela and other major rice-producing areas nationwide. Conventional monitoring methods often detect infestations only after significant crop damage has occurred, resulting in yield losses and increased pesticide use.

Ecoilluminate aims to shift pest management from a reactive to a preventive approach. The system utilizes solar-powered ultraviolet light traps that are capable of attracting rice pests, while AI algorithms identify and classify the captured insects. Through IoT connectivity, collected data are transmitted in real time, enabling early warnings, continuous monitoring, and geographic mapping of pest populations.

The consultation activities are being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office II, particularly the Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD) of the Regional Crop Protection Center in the City of Ilagan. Roynic Y. Aquino, OIC Manager of DA-RFO II–ILD, and Minda Flor M. Aguino, former Agricultural Center Chief III, are serving as key collaborators and technical consultants for the project.

According to project proponents, Eco-illuminate is expected to strengthen decision-making at the municipal and provincial levels by providing timely, accurate, and location-based pest information. This, in turn, can help reduce unnecessary pesticide application, lower production costs, and improve rice yields.

The initiative underscores Isabela State University’s commitment to advancing smart and sustainable agriculture through research, innovation, and strong partnerships with local government units and farmer organizations. Once fully implemented, Eco-illuminate is envisioned to serve as a model for technology-enabled pest management that can be replicated in other rice-producing regions in the Philippines.

21/01/2026

ISABELA — Isabela State University (ISU) conducted a Project Presentation and consultation with selected Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) and rice farmer cooperatives in the province of Isabela as part of its ongoing initiative to strengthen science-based solutions for sustainable rice production.

The consultation highlighted the project “Ecoilluminate: A Smart Solar-Powered UV Light Trap for Early Detection, Monitoring, and Mapping of Rice Black Bugs (Scotinophara coarctata, Fabricius) powered by AI and IoT,” a research and development initiative funded under the DOST-PCAARRD Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program. The project is led by Dr. Irma T. Plata to provide an innovative, data-driven approach to managing one of the most destructive pests affecting rice production.

The activity brought together agricultural stakeholders from three municipalities and three cooperatives, fostering dialogue on local pest challenges, technology adoption, and cooperative-level participation.

Representing the Municipality of Roxas, Isabela, Municipal Agriculturist Flordeluna A. Ariola, R. Agr., MS, joined the consultation together with Mr. Rodolfo Muñoz, President of the Roxas Irrigation Association. Discussions focused on the integration of the smart UV light trap into existing irrigation and crop monitoring systems to support early pest detection.

From the Municipality of Mallig, Isabela, Municipal Agriculturist Edwin DC Domingo, MPA, and Ms. Marilyn D. Binag, Manager of the Mallig FST Multipurpose Cooperative, emphasized the importance of real-time pest monitoring in protecting cooperative-managed rice fields and improving decision-making among farmers.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Aurora, Isabela was represented by Municipal Agriculturist Fredelyn T. Gajes, alongside Mr. Melanio A. Foronda, Manager of the Esperanza Multipurpose Cooperative. Participants underscored the potential of AI- and IoT-enabled tools in reducing crop losses, minimizing pesticide misuse, and enhancing environmental sustainability.

During the presentation, ISU researchers explained how Ecoilluminate combines solar-powered UV trapping, sensor-based data collection, and AI-assisted analytics to detect, monitor, and map rice black bug populations. The system is designed to generate timely alerts and spatial data that can guide municipal agriculturists and farmers in implementing targeted and preventive interventions.

The consultation concluded with a strong expression of support from the participating MAOs and cooperatives, affirming their willingness to collaborate in pilot implementation, data sharing, and capacity-building activities. ISU reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with local government units and farmer organizations to ensure that the technology is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Isabela’s rice-growing communities.

03/11/2025

DOST-PCAARRD and ISU Conduct Inception Meeting for “Eco-Illuminate” Project

Echague, Isabela – November 3, 2025. The Isabela State University (ISU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), successfully conducted the Inception Meeting for the project “Eco-Illuminate: A Smart Solar-Powered UV Light Trap for Early Detection, Monitoring, and Mapping of Rice Black Bugs (Powered by AI and IoT)” on November 3, 2025.

The meeting formally marked the commencement of the project’s implementation, bringing together representatives from PCAARRD, the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), and key offices of ISU, including the Accounting Office, Budget Office, Commission on Audit (COA), and the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). The activity aimed to align all participating stakeholders and clarify project objectives, roles, and operational guidelines for effective implementation.

Meeting Objectives

The inception meeting was conducted to:

1. Develop a shared understanding of the project’s objectives, expected outputs, and activities;
2. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the researchers, implementing agencies, PCAARRD, and DOST;
3. Discuss and finalize the work and financial plans, along with other administrative matters; and
4. Present and clarify the DOST guidelines for monitoring and evaluation of the program.

Present during the meeting were representatives from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and its Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), together with the ISU Project Team led by Dr. Irma T. Plata, Project Leader, and composed of Dr. Darios B. Alado, Study Leader; Mr. Allan Taracatac, Senior Developer; Mr. Sabas Lazaro Jr., Junior Developer; and Mr. John Vincent Cammayo, Project Staff.

Also in attendance were institutional support officers from ISU, namely Eisen B. Romero, CPA, Accountant III of the Accounting Office; Marlina A. Oducayen, Administrative Assistant III of the Budget Office; Atty. Junella Maribel Cabenian, OIC–Audit Team Leader of the Commission on Audit (COA); Johoana B. Corbe, MPA, University Procurement Officer; and Dr. Ma. Theresa Eustaquio, Campus Research Director. Their participation ensured that both financial and administrative processes were fully aligned with government standards and university protocols.

The meeting opened with Welcome Remarks from Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for R&D of DOST-PCAARRD, who emphasized the project’s relevance in advancing smart agriculture through artificial intelligence and sustainable technology solutions.

Engr followed this. Romeo P. Santiago, Senior Science Research Specialist of ARMRD, who led the Introduction of Participants, elaborated on the rationale and objectives of the activity, and presented the DOST-GIA (Grant-In-Aid) Guidelines for project implementation.

The highlight of the event was the Project Presentation by Dr. Irma T. Plata, who introduced Eco-Illuminate as an innovative smart system that integrates AI and IoT technologies with solar-powered UV light traps for the early detection, monitoring, and mapping of Rice Black Bugs (RBB)—a significant pest in Philippine rice production. Supporting her were Dr. Darios B. Alado, Mr. Allan Taracatac, Mr. Sabas Lazaro Jr., and Mr. John Vincent Cammayo, who presented the project’s technical framework, development roadmap, and expected outputs.

An Open Forum followed, during which participants discussed the financial and administrative components of the project, particularly focusing on fund utilization, reporting requirements, and milestone tracking. The discussion ensured that project operations would adhere to DOST’s guidelines on transparency and accountability.

In her Closing Remarks, Ms. Maria Teresa L. De Guzman, Officer-In-Charge of ARMRD–DOST PCAARRD, commended ISU for its initiative in developing innovative, data-driven technologies for pest management. She also reaffirmed PCAARRD’s support for research initiatives that apply science and technology toward enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.

The Eco-Illuminate project underscores the shared vision of ISU and DOST-PCAARRD in promoting innovative and sustainable agriculture through innovation. By combining renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and IoT, the project aims to provide farmers and agricultural stakeholders with real-time data and predictive analytics for effective pest control and decision-making.

As the inception meeting concluded, both institutions expressed optimism that Eco-Illuminate will become a model for data-driven, sustainable pest management—a vital step toward achieving resilient and technology-enabled rice production systems in the Philippines.