By Mikee Natinga Norico

A group photo of CPU academic and non-academic unit heads, faculty, and staff together with guest lecturer Dr. Youngtaek Baek, CEO of LEAFLOG Co., Ltd. and professor at Jeju University, South Korea, following his insightful lecture on AI-driven smart farming.

Central Philippine University (CPU), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE) and the University Research Center (URC), successfully hosted a lecture on AI-Driven Smart Farming Strategy Based on Plant Data Analytics at the College of Computer Studies, Mary Thomas Building, Audio Visual Room 1. The event brought together students from the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), College of Engineering (COE), and College of Computer Studies (CCS).

The program opened with a welcome address by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, who emphasized CPU’s commitment to advancing innovative agricultural technologies through research and international collaboration.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU University President, delivers the welcome message during the lecture on AI-Driven Smart Farming Strategy, emphasizing the university’s commitment to innovation and international research collaboration.

Ms. Rose Leah Joy A. Ojacastro, MSCS, Department Head of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Program, formally introduced the guest lecturer, Dr. Youngtaek Baek, CEO of LEAFLOG Co., Ltd. and professor at Jeju University, South Korea. Dr. Baek delivered an insightful lecture on how artificial intelligence enhances smart farming through plant data analytics, highlighting data-driven strategies for improving crop management, sustainability, and productivity.

An open forum followed, facilitated by Engr. Jebie A. Balagosa, PhD, Balik Scientist of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). This session enabled students and faculty to engage with Dr. Youngtaek Baek and discuss real-world applications of AI in agriculture.

Certificates of appreciation were then awarded to the guest lecturers, after which Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson, Director of the University Research Center and OIC, OVPRDE, delivered the closing remarks for the morning session. She expressed gratitude for the valuable knowledge shared and encouraged students to pursue deeper involvement in AI-driven agricultural innovations.

In the afternoon, participants learned about Project GEO-Dynamix 2025, funded by the Philippines–Korea Joint S&T Research Program and the DOST Grant-in-Aid (GIA). Engr. Balagosa led this session, presenting the project’s introduction and showcasing ongoing collaborative research initiatives aimed at advancing smart farming solutions and geospatial agricultural analytics.

Participants, faculty, and staff pose for a group photo with Dr. Youngtaek Baek, CEO of LEAFLOG Co., Ltd., and professor at Jeju University, South Korea, following an engaging session on AI and plant data analytics in agriculture.

The program concluded with a campus tour of the CPU-GAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and the Wind Turbine facilities at the CPU College of Engineering, giving students firsthand exposure to CPU’s innovative and sustainable technologies.

Ms. Joan S. Ong, OVPRDE Secretary, served as the Master of Ceremony, ensuring a smooth and well-organized flow of activities throughout the event.

The lecture highlighted CPU’s dedication to integrating emerging technologies in agriculture and strengthening global research partnerships—empowering the next generation of Filipino professionals to drive sustainable and data-informed agricultural development.