Geographic Information Support System Center

The Geographic Information Support System Center for High Value Commodities and Indigenous Crops in SOCCSKSARGEN houses the geographic soils information center, the soils and insect museum laboratory and the farm tourism hub, leading into multifaceted activities with emphasis on precision agriculture. The facility is also a multipurpose venue for training and extension engagement of soils support system in SOCCSKSARGEN, and for establishing awareness among stakeholders on the geographic information support system for streamlining the program on high value commodities and indigenous crops in the region. The center is also a hub where researchers and stakeholders would be educated and trained in terms of the usage of geographic information systems and interpretation of crop suitability maps.

The establishment of the multi-purpose facility will bring together scientists, researchers, academicians, extension workers, farmer groups, policy makers and consumers to exchange knowledge and skills and learn from one another on how to use digital technology to advance development in each of their different areas of responsibility.

The center was established through funding by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Research Facility Development Fund (DA-ACEF-RFDG) under the leadership of Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia, Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia, and Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian together with research assistant Mr. Dennis Sarmiento.

You may access the USM Smart Agriculture GIS mapping website (click here).