Manila: Five research and development institutions in the Northern Mindanao region have received equipment for their information communication technology (ICT) upgrade. On Friday, the five institutions signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Institution Development Division (DOST-PCAARRD-IDD).

According to Philippines News Agency, the MOA stipulates an upgrade of ICT facilities and networks to strengthen digital access and distribute ICT resources to partner institutions. The initiative aims to ensure the smooth implementation of PCAARRD-funded projects.

Wilmar Lastimosa, Senior Science Research Specialist and DOST-PCAARRD representative, said the project's broader impact is to help Northern Mindanao's institutions collaborate better, deliver outputs faster, and extend science-based solutions to the communities that need them most. "This investment is not just about equipment, but it is about establishing a stronger, more connected research and development environment," he said.

The five institutions are members of the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD). Among the institutions is the Central Mindanao University (CMU) based in Bukidnon, which serves as the base agency of NOMCAARRD. Other member institutions include two campuses of the Mindanao State University-the Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City and the Naawan Campus in Misamis Oriental.

Also included are the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria Campus in Misamis Oriental and the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau-Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-10.