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Amidst a growing emphasis on technological advancements in agriculture, the recent alliance between the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and Project Zacchaeus (PZC) signals a transformative stride in the sector. Following an engaging and fruitful Memorandum of Agreement Orientation and Inception Meeting on November 22, 2023, the partnership solidified, projecting a promising future for agricultural innovation.


PZC stands at the forefront as one of the esteemed startups chosen for substantial financial support from the DOST-TAPI, courtesy of the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNICOM) Program. Its pioneering platform, Farm Konekt, embodies a paradigm shift in agri-technology. It aligns with the Institute's vision of harnessing cutting-edge technology to elevate agricultural practices.


Farm Konekt, an innovative brainchild of Project Zacchaeus, embodies an all-encompassing digital ecosystem tailored to streamline various facets of the agricultural industry. It integrates ingenious technologies and methodologies, aiming to optimize agricultural processes and augment productivity across the sector.



The collaboration between DOST-TAPI and PZC underscores a commitment to fueling agricultural transformation. By leveraging technology and innovation, the partnership aims to address critical challenges faced by the agricultural sector, fostering sustainability, efficiency, and enhanced productivity.




The shared vision between DOST-TAPI and Project Zacchaeus Corporation not only heralds a promising future for agri-technology but also underscores the collaborative efforts driving the evolution of Philippine agriculture towards greater sustainability and global competitiveness.



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Embracing the vision of bolstering collaboration and synergy in the agricultural landscape, the inaugural National Cluster Summit under the Department of Agriculture-Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (DA-F2C2) Program commenced on December 12, 2023, in the picturesque confines of Tagaytay City. This momentous event stands as a significant stride in the government's concerted efforts to advocate for the adoption of a robust clustering and consolidation strategy, fostering stronger connections among stakeholders.



Themed "Pagkaing Sapat, Ahon Lahat," the Summit sets the stage for the cultivation of partnerships and serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and inspiration. It embodies a collective endeavor towards growth, learning, and unlearning within the agricultural domain.



Initiated in 2020 through DA Administrative Order No. 27, the F2C2 Program is designed to harness economies of scale, fortify linkages across producers and global markets, and empower producers with enhanced bargaining and market prowess.


Participating in this pivotal event are agricultural cooperatives and pilot clusters integral to the program's success, representing the diversity and richness of agricultural practices across the 13 regions of the Philippines.



Leading the helm of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program is Shandy Hubilla, spearheading the endeavor to create a unified and robust framework for agricultural development.



During the summit, Project Zacchaeus’ Farm Konekt took center stage as a presenter, showcasing Best Practices in Clustering and Consolidation. CEO John Vincent Gastanes led the presentation, shedding light on the evolution of Project Zacchaeus and Farm Konekt, from its modest beginnings to its current stature. Alongside Gastanes were Mitchell Gimena, Chairman of Project Zacchaeus, Farm Konekt’s Strategic Partnerships Lead Abraham Diaz, and Sales Executive Rexelle Jake Bayan, collectively demonstrating the journey of Farm Konekt, including its pioneering efforts in facilitating halal trading partnerships with the Government of Brunei.



This profound gathering exemplifies a pivotal moment in the collaborative trajectory of the agricultural sector, fostering unity, innovation, and progress in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.

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A flourishing venture between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice bore fruit in the form of a vibrant Harvest Festival at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The event, held on December 7, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the collaborative project.



The festival highlighted an 18-hectare expanse dedicated to cultivating lowland vegetables, showcasing the fruitful endeavors in agriculture within the colony. It served as a testament to the successful partnership between the two departments, aiming to foster sustainable farming practices and empower individuals in correctional facilities through agricultural initiatives.



One of the notable aspects of this collaborative effort is the engagement of Project Zacchaeus and FarmKonekt as marketing arms for the produce. This involvement will enable connections with various buyers, including wholesalers and retailers, facilitating the distribution of the freshly cultivated harvest to broader markets.



Present at this momentous occasion were esteemed personalities such as Melissa Macasaet, the City Agriculturist, along with Vicente Binasahan from the Department of Agriculture, and Gerald Glenn Panganiban, the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, and the head of Bureau of Corrections in Palawan. Their presence underscored the significance of the collaboration and emphasized the support from key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.



Moreover, the festival brought together various seedling suppliers, further enhancing the exchange of ideas, innovations, and resources within the agricultural community.


The event's success not only celebrated the agricultural achievements within Iwahig Penal Colony but also highlighted the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and empower communities. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in fostering agricultural growth and ensuring a brighter future for all involved.

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