On July 28, 2025, a community briefing was held at the Municipal Hall of Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan, bringing together local farmers, government representatives, and the local government unit to strengthen agricultural initiatives in the community.

The activity was spearheaded by the UP Diliman Technology Management Center (UPD TMC) Team, led by Director Edison Cruz, with Prof. Glen Imbang and the University Research Associates, who introduced the farmers to the Center’s support services. Alongside them, the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Development Program (DA HVCDP) Team, headed by Deputy Director Anne Frias Lisbo, with support from provincial staff, representatives from the Local Government Unit, including Barangay Captain Jaime Santos and some members of the DRT Municipal Council, were also present to show their support. The DA HVCDP and UPD TMC underscored their commitment to empowering farmers with knowledge, tools, and opportunities.

Around 50 farmers attended the event, where they learned about the fundamentals of DA HVCDP and the role of UPD TMC in providing support. The session served as a first step toward awareness and engagement, offering farmers a clear picture of how the program can help them improve productivity and access opportunities in high-value crop farming.

The event created a space for collaboration, signaling the start of stronger partnerships between government, academe, and farmers in DRT.

– Judy Mae M. Lumayag, TMC URA