Davao de Oro State College, through the Agriculture Department of DdOSC Maragusan, successfully hosted the 2026 1st Quarterly Meeting and Capacity Building Activity of the Deans Association of Agricultural Schools, Inc. (DAASI) on February 24–26, 2026, at La Sierra Farm in Las Arenas, Pantukan, Davao de Oro.

The three-day convention gathered representatives from 17 DAASI-member Higher Education Institutions across the Davao Region.

Moreover, the event aimed to strengthen methodological rigor in Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) research, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence–driven scholarship.

A series of seminars highlighted the first two days of the three-day convention, with Dr. Jayson De Vera, Associate Professor from the Philippine Normal University, delivering lectures on AI Augmented Research Cycle, Research Paradigms and Worldviews, Research Publication Strategies, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design and Sampling.

Dr. De Vera’s discussions highlighted the responsible integration of artificial intelligence tools in agricultural research processes while upholding scientific integrity and methodological soundness.

In his message, Dr. Dernie T. Olguera, DAASI President, underscored the importance of collective academic leadership in advancing agricultural education in the region and emphasized that collaboration among DAASI-member institutions is crucial in responding to emerging technological trends.

Meanwhile, the DAASI Board of Trustees and officers convened for the quarterly meeting to outline upcoming initiatives, including preparations for the annual DAASI Student Regional Convention and other strategic activities to build knowledge, collaborate, and engage students across member institutions.

On the final day, the activity was graced by Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, Regional Director of Commission on Higher Education Region XI; Dr. Lourdes D. Cesar, Education Supervisor II for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Programs and DAASI Adviser; and Janice C. Hermosilla, DdOSC Administrative Services Director, representing DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay.

In her message, Dr. Cesar urged participating institutions to recalibrate their academic offerings toward in-demand, hard-to-fill, and emerging occupations within the agriculture sector.

She emphasized that as industries evolve and technological advancements reshape the agricultural landscape, HEIs in the region must be proactive in curriculum innovation, industry alignment, and workforce responsiveness to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant competencies for both local and global opportunities.

Capping the event, Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo emphasized the importance of embracing artificial intelligence to advance agricultural processes and ensure that innovations directly benefit local farmers and communities.

Furthermore, she commended the DAASI member institutions for their collaborative efforts to strengthen agricultural education in the region.