The Tuguegarao City local government unit launched the SARAI Program (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Cagayan State University, and Isabela State University last October 1, 2021 via ZOOM and Facebook.

Funded by DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development(PCAARRD), Project SARAI is an interdisciplinary research, development, and extension program implemented by UPLB-School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM). SARAI uses advances and innovations in science, information technology and technical support systems in building a nationwide framework of practical RDE-based solutions and recommendations for the agricultural sector. 

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Among those who signed the MOA were Ms. Virginia G. Bilgera (OIC-Regional Director), Dr. Urdujah Alvarado (Cagayan State University President), Dr. Ricmar Aquino (Isabela State University President) and Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang (DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations). Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon, Program Leader of Project SARAI, witnessed the MOA signing. 

During the launching, Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, and Tuguegarao City Municipal Agriculture Officer Mr. Servando Gumabay delivered their messages of support. Members of the academe, agriculturists, agriculture extension workers and farmers attended the online event.

After the program, Project 3.2 (Capacity Building Group of Project SARAi) conducted an orientation of participants for the series of trainings of SARAI technologies for agriculture extension workers and farmers of Tuguegarao City. Thirty participants committed to participate in an online training composed of seven sessions which will start on October 4 until November 12, 2022 (MGVallena, CVCasal, JAMLacson and RPMCabangbang).