VSU-Verde Carbon AWD Project

23/10/2025

🌾VSU–Verde Carbon Team Strengthens Collaboration of the AWD Project in Bohol💧

The VSU–Verde Carbon Project Team conducted a two-day project site visit in Ubay, Bohol, and paid a courtesy visit to the Bohol Island State University (BISU)–Bilar Campus, coordinated by Ms. Lilibeth Manla, Project Co-Study Leader, to advance the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between VSU, BISU, and Verde Carbon Capture, Inc. (VCCI).

Key highlights of the visit included transect survey at the VCCI project site led by Dr. Dionesio M. Bañoc, together with SRAs Jea Zamora, Jomaica Delon, Frances Larona, and Arjie Tapan, who conducted site observations and farmer interviews. The team also met with Irrigators Associations (IAs) and farmer-cooperators to evaluate project progress and discuss plans for continuous operation and expansion.

The project team also paid a visit to the Office of the Municipal Agriculture in Ubay, where they were warmly welcomed. During the visit, the team gathered data on local rice farming practices and shared updates on the ongoing AWD Project.

At BISU Bilar Campus, the team met with university officials Dr. Proceso M. Castil (Campus Director), Engr. Severino B. Salera (Dean,CoAS-BISU Bilar), Alma Vilma S. Paelmao (Director for Research), Jeralyn B. Abadingo (Director for Extension) and Nida B. Ratilla (Chairperson of the Agriculture Department) to introduce the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) project collaboration aimed on reducing methane emissions, improving water management, promoting sustainable rice farming, and enhancing farmer livelihoods. The MOA details were reviewed to move toward formalization.

The visit concluded with an internal meeting where Mr. Carl John Joaquin B. Managa, VCCI Bohol Project Coordinator, presented the project’s progress and the 2026 dry cropping season expansion plan.

This collaboration reinforces the shared commitment of VSU, BISU, and VCCI toward climate-smart, sustainable, and farmer-centered rice production. 🌱

12/10/2025

🌾Sumitomo Corporation Visits VSU-Verde Carbon AWD Project in Leyte 🌏

The VSU–Verde Carbon Project Team warmly welcomed representatives from Sumitomo Corporation during their site visit last July 28 – 30, 2025, as part of the company’s initial evaluation of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) project for methane reduction and the project’s compliance with the JCM standards.

The visiting team, joined by Ms. Hazuki Kato of Green Carbon, Inc. and Mr. Hamsha R. Saz, Project Development Manager of Verde Carbon Capture, Inc., was received by the VSU Project Team led by Dr. Deejay M. Lumanao, along with study leaders Dr. Suzette B. Lina, Dr. Dionesio M. Bañoc, and Prof. Ed Allan L. Alcober. The group visited in one of the AWD sites in Brgy. Victoria, Sta. Fe, Leyte, where the VSU team discussed rice field conditions, irrigation management, and the water-level monitoring protocols.

The visit featured a demonstration of Green Carbon’s Agreen application, presented by Ms. Rochell Godoy, showcasing the digitalization of AWD field data such as farm history, water levels, and farm activities. As well as hands-on activities on water-level monitoring and methane gas sampling led by the VSU SRAs. Farmer-cooperators and representatives from the MAO also joined the activity.

Following the field visit, the VSU team participated in an investor’s meeting at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Conference Room in Palo, Leyte. Mr. Vic Anthony F. Lapore, VCCI Project Development Assistant Manager, presented the project’s current status and expansion plans, while Mr. Saz discussed its long-term prospects and economic benefits for farmers. The VSU Project Team addressed queries on technical implementation and sustainability measures, with Engr. Ricky Gabor from PAO reaffirming their full support for the initiative.

Together, the collaboration moves forward in advancing climate-smart rice production and strengthening partnerships for sustainable agriculture.

12/10/2025

🌾TOHO GAS Co., Ltd. Visits VSU–Verde Carbon AWD Project in Bohol💧

The VSU–Verde Carbon Project Team welcomed representatives from TOHO GAS Co., Ltd. (Japan) during their visit to Bohol last June 23–24, 2025, to observe the implementation of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) project and its compliance with JCM Methodology.

A coordination meeting was held at the OPA Bohol Conference Room, attended by the Assistant Provincial Agriculturist and staff, NIA Region 7 Operations Section, TOHO GAS representatives, Mr. Carl John Managa (Project Coordinator), Mr. Vic Anthony F. Lapore (Project Development Assistant Manager), Mr. Hamsha R. Saz (Project Development Manager), and Mr. Takato Senoo (VCCI Director).

Mr. Saz presented the AWD project plans, long-term goals, and its positive economic impacts on rice farmers. The VSU Team, represented by Dr. Dionesio M. Bañoc and Prof. Ed Allan L. Alcober, reaffirmed their commitment to ensure sustainable and climate-adaptive project implementation.

The following day, the group visited the AWD pilot site under the Malingin Irrigators Association in San Pascual, Ubay, Bohol. Dr. Bañoc discussed field conditions and identified ideal locations for water pipes and gas sampling, while Prof. Alcober shared water-efficient rice farming practices. Mr. Lapore conducted the demonstration on gas sampling and water monitoring for the investors. The visit concluded with a farmers’ briefing and open discussion facilitated by Mr. Saz and joined by investors, IA leaders, farmer-cooperators, and the Municipal Agriculturists of Ubay.

This visit strengthens the partnership toward sustainable, low-emission, and climate-smart rice production in the Philippines. 🌱

11/10/2025

VSU partners with Verde Carbon Capture, Inc. to introduce Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology in Leyte and Bohol rice farms, cutting methane emissions, saving water, and opening pathways for carbon credit opportunities.

Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte is the premier state university of science and technology in the Visayas.

11/10/2025

In Photos| Farmers’ Orientation for Verde Carbon–VSU AWD Project in Leyte and Bohol conducted last August 16, 2025

The VSU-Verde Carbon team successfully conducted a one-day Farmers’ Orientation on the AWD Project. The activity was opened by Project Leader Dr. Deejay M. Lumanao, who welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the event. Ms. Rochell Godoy, VCCI Area Coordinator for Leyte, shared the background of Verde Carbon Capture, Inc. and the project’s rationale. Prof. Ed Allan Alcober discussed water management in rice production, while Dr. Dionesio M. Banoc emphasized the importance of AWD in managing water and reducing methane emissions. Dr. Suzette B. Lina highlighted integrated nutrient management and fertilizer efficiency on her discussion, and Ms. Lilibeth Manla presented soil sampling methods and nutrient analysis. Dr. Lumanao also demonstrated fertilizer recommendation tools as an helpful reference in proper fertilizer usage.

Pilot project farmer Mr. Victor Romualdez shared his successful experience with AWD, followed by Mr. Vic Anthony F. Lapore who presented the Philippine AWD project status from pilot project’s accomplishments, future expansion plans, project structure and partners, and the benefits of the AWD project to the farmers. Engr. Ricky Gabor of PAO expressed his full support for the initiative. The event concluded with an actual demo on field gas sampling. A pre- and post-evaluation was also given to assess participants’ understanding.

Participants included farmer-cooperators from various IAs, representatives from MAOs, PAO, project leaders, VCCI staff, and SRAs of VSU—all working together toward sustainable and climate-smart rice production. 💨🌾💧