Quezon City, PH – The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), through its Robot for Optimized and Autonomous Mission-Enhancement Responses (ROAMER) Project and Technology Licensing Office (TLO),  joined the 48th anniversary celebration of the Department of Agriculture-Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (DA-FPA) on 30 May 2025. 

With the theme “Smarter Regulations, Nurturing Innovation,” the event highlighted DA-FPA’s commitment to modernizing regulatory frameworks, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and embracing new technologies to support Philippine agriculture. It was attended by various agriculture industry associations and government agencies.  

The event served as a platform in showcasing various smart technologies that can support intelligent decision-making processes for agricultural regulation. DA-FPA expressed strong interest in adopting advanced solutions for agriculture and crop management, having previously established guidelines and regulations for the use of drones and other machines in pesticide and fertilizer application. 

Engr. Stephanie Alves conducts technology pitching of DOST-ASTI's ROAMER technology during the 48th anniversary celebration program of DA-FPA.

In line with this, DOST-ASTI was invited to conduct a technology pitching and to participate in a business-matching session which coincided with the celebration. Engr. Stephanie Anne A. Alves, ROAMER Project Manager, led the pitch and demonstrated the technology’s capabilities—particularly for pesticide application aimed at controlling and reducing pest damage in banana plantations. 

DA-FPA Management Commitee visits DOST-ASTI's ROAMER demonstration area. Present in the photo (L-R) are Atty. Janel Pablete, Ms. Thea Oliveros, Deputy Executive Director for Pesticide Eric C. Divinagracia, Director Glenn DC. Estrada, Engr. Stephanie Alves, Ms. Maria Irene S. Amatorio, Ms. Gina Tomimbang, Ms. Jerolet Sahagun, and Ms. Maribel F. Querijero (Photo courtesy of DA-FPA)

The ROAMER project seeks to optimize pesticide use in farming by enabling precise, data-driven application and minimizing farmers’ exposure to harmful chemicals. This aligns with the project’s efforts to improve farmers’ productivity while enhancing occupational safety in agriculture.  

At its current pre-commercialization stage, through the support from DOST-ASTI TLO, led by Ms. Maria Irene S. Amatorio, and in coordination with DA-FPA's Head of Pesticide Regulations Division, Ms. Maribel F. Querijero, the project team was able to expand its business network and engagement with various stakeholders from the academe, industry associations, particularly pesticide companies, potential investors, and decision-makers from the government sector. 

Engr. Stephanie Alves of ROAMER project, DA-FPA Director Glenn DC. Estrada, DA-FPA Pesticide Regulations Division Chief Ms. Maribel F. Querijero, and DOST-ASTI Technology Licensing Office Head, Ms. Maria Irene S. Amatorio poses for a souvenir photo after the event celebration. (Photo courtesy of DA-FPA) 

ROAMER is funded under the Funding Assistance for Spinoff and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialization (FASTRAC) of DOST-PCIEERD. This pre-commercialization program bridges the gap between R&D and the market by supporting the transformation of DOST-PCIEERD-funded innovations like ROAMER into viable, commercially ready products. 

The technology pitching session follows the joint press conference held by DA-FPA and DOST-ASTI at the Philippine Information Agency on 16 May 2025, signaling continued collaboration toward modernizing Philippine agriculture through innovation.