Tanay, Ph — The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s (DOST-ASTI) Computer Software Division (CSD) recently organized a two-day Gul.ai Project End-User Training program last 23-24 May 2023.
Held at the University of Rizal System (URS)-Tanay Campus, the end-user training was designed to equip representatives and students from URS with essential knowledge of the Gul.ai System's features and functions, while fostering awareness and appreciation for Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-enabled growing of crops.
Gul.ai, an innovative project spearheaded by DOST-ASTI seeks to address the declining interest of Filipino youth in agriculture, which poses long-term risks to the country's food security. By encouraging the younger generation to explore the integration of ICT with agriculture, the Gul.ai Project aims to create a sustainable fusion that ensures future food security.
Ms. Joanna G. Syjuco, CSD Chief, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the Gul.ai R&D project.
“The Gul.ai R&D project is a unique initiative that brings together the fields of agriculture, crop science, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Besides contributing to the advancement of agriculture in the Philippines, we aim to engage the Filipino youth in the study and practice of agriculture and inspire a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs and technologists,” she said.
Gul.ai aims to provide teachers and students the capacity to design experiments on small crops through a system that is enabled by information technology and that utilizes the aeroponic method of delivering nutrients to plants.
“Our team hopes that by providing students with the experience of using the Gul.ai System, they will be encouraged to explore other approaches to growing crops in the future," said Mr. Jeffrey Aborot, Gul.ai’s project leader.
The training involved hands-on demonstrations of the Gul.ai system, allowing attendees to navigate the application and experience its functionalities, with a special focus on the Plantform module.
Expressing his support for the Gul.ai Project, Dr. Franz de Leon, Director of DOST-ASTI, emphasized the importance of capacity-building activities such as this training. He highlighted the role of AI as a tool to be maximized. He also expressed his unwavering optimism and commended the enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants.
“I have no doubt that the knowledge and skills you've acquired will empower you to make a positive impact in your respective fields and contribute to the advancement of agriculture in the Philippines,” he ended. By empowering Filipino youth through the Gul.ai Smart Farming R&D Project, DOST-ASTI takes a significant step towards cultivating a new generation of agricultural innovators, safeguarding the nation's future of food security.