Davao de Oro State College, led by President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay, formally entered into a partnership with the National Irrigation Administration – Irrigation Management Office of Davao de Oro (NIA-IMO DDO) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held today, June 24, 2025, at the NIA-IMO DDO Conference Room in Poblacion, Compostela, Davao de Oro.

The agreement cements institutional collaboration for the implementation of the Project AGOS, or Accelerating Growth and Opportunity for Sustainable Farming in Davao de Oro, spearheaded by Dr. Jeson N. Geroche.

The initiative seeks to integrate agricultural innovation with sustainable development, particularly through enhanced irrigation systems and farmer-focused technology interventions.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Project AGOS embodies DDOSC’s internationalization agenda and promotes the adoption of innovative irrigation technologies, fosters global partnerships, and encourages cross-border research and knowledge exchange.

Moreover, Dr. Geroche, an Associate Professor under the Agriculture Department, emphasized that Project AGOS aims to position Davao de Oro as a model for sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Representing NIA-IMO DDO were Division Manager Engr. Rona B. Presto and Ma. Isabel G. Decio, IDU Head and Senior Institutional Development Officer.

Meanwhile, accompanying Dr. Matunhay were project leader Dr. Jeson N. Geroche, Director for Extension Services Division Dr. Rona C. Apolinario, and Extension Services Unit Head Jerson M. Renegardo, MAEE.

In her message, Dr. Matunhay congratulated the project AGOS proponents and emphasized the importance of synergizing higher education and government efforts in responding to agricultural and environmental challenges.

The MOA signing marks a significant step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the province, with DDOSC and NIA-IMO DDO at the forefront of this community-based, research-driven development.