Government agencies and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country convened at the AgriDataCollab Microsummit 2025, held from 29-30 April 2025 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, to discuss pressing challenges in agricultural data collection, sharing, and coordination. A total of 102 data collaborators—62 on the first day, and 42 on the second, attended the event.

The microsummit, organized by the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (DAAE) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), aims to foster collaboration among key stakeholders in data collection and management to improve evidence-based decision-making in Philippine agriculture.

“Data only becomes powerful when it is accessible, well-managed, and used collaboratively,” emphasized DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora in his opening remarks on the microsummit’s first day. He highlighted AgriDataCollab’s goal to rethink data governance and address pressing challenges in agricultural food systems, climate change, and sustainability. Despite significant progress of DOST-PCAARRD in the area of agricultural data, there are persisting gaps and challenges where AgriDataCollab can intervene.

Assistant National Statistician Rachel C. Lacsa of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the event’s first plenary speaker, underscored how they streamlined agricultural data collection, compilation, and dissemination from grassroots to national level. The PSA strived to digitalize their systems but acknowledged persisting challenges of limited coordination and funding.

DA Chief Toni Maricel Rimando followed by emphasizing the lack of reliable agricultural data hindering effective policy making. “In an era where every hectare and harvest counts, data is not optional–it is a lifeline,” remarked DA Chief Rimando while underscoring the importance of sound data in achieving food security and developing the agriculture and fisheries sector in the Philippines.

DOST Undersecretary Dr. Leah J. Buendia concluded the session showcasing their agency’s technological initiatives in enhancing data systems in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector. “We are now at the crossroads of possibilities and responsibility. The path ahead will require commitment, coordination, and investment. But, the impact will be profound. Let us chart this path, together with the shared purpose, with open minds and with the conviction that data, when connected and mobilized, becomes one of our most powerful tools for agricultural transformation,” said Dr. Buendia, highlighting the value of cross-agency platforms in effective data management systems grounded upon research and innovation.

The first day ended with an open forum that identified data sharing barriers with key stakeholders from various agencies proposing future steps for the initiative.

The second day of the microsummit centered around a participatory workshop encouraging representatives from the different government agencies and HEIs to collaborate and map out bottlenecks in data governance. “We are all gathering data, we need to start talking to each other,” remarked a participant.  Participants identified key gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities in the Philippines’ agricultural data network.

Assistant Professor Jaymee A. Cabangbang, proponent and project leader of the AgriDataCollab Project, closed the microsummit with a strong appeal for commitment and active support from stakeholders, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future of data governance.

The conversation for sound agricultural data governance doesn’t end here. With the stakeholders now more acquainted with the pressing problems in data collection, compilation, and dissemination, sustaining the momentum for the interagency collaboration is key to achieving reliable and actionable data for the agriculture sector. (written by the AgriDataCollab Team – Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics)