The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and Central Philippines State University (CPSU) have formalized a three-year partnership for the “Integrated Rapid Ionomics and Predictive Modeling for Smarter Nutrient Management in Sugarcane,” or the iCanePredict project.

 The iCanePredict project aims to use science and data to improve sugarcane production and manage soil and crop nutrients better, providing important information that can help local sugarcane farmers achieve higher yields through more effective nutrient management strategies.

 The partnership was officially established with the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DOST-PNRI and CPSU on April 28, 2026, during the project inception meeting, which is expected to primarily enable sugarcane production and nutrient management joint research and development activities.

 During the meeting, DOST-PNRI’s Senior Science Research/Project Leader Dr. Roland V. Rallos also introduced the LIBS: Handheld Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, which can measure elemental concentrations in materials and its potential benefits in revolutionizing the university’s capacity in providing its agriculture students with leading technology and extending technical services to CPSU’s community stakeholders.

 Joining Dr. Rallos were members of the DOST-PNRI team: Ms. Nerrisa P. Bacerra, Science Research Analyst/Project Staff Level I; Ms. Lorraine S. Lao, Project Staff; Ms. Gellie Mae F. Esteban, Project Technical Assistant II; and Mr. Mc Vincent R. Aquino, Project Technical Aide.

 CPSU key officials present at the event were Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, CPSU President; Engr. Marc Alexei Caesar B. Badajos, Vice President for Administration and Finance; and Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa, Production and Enterprise Development Office Director.

 Notably, CPSU is the only university in the Philippines offering the Bachelor in Sugar Technology program; this partnership underscores its continued zeal in pursuing relevant research engagements that contribute significant impacts in the region’s sugar industry.