OnioNet, a pioneering agri-tech initiative developed by Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) fourth-year students from Saint Mary’s University, has earned the honor of representing Region II (Cagayan Valley) in the national leg of the 2024 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC). This recognition follows their victorious performance at both the provincial and regional levels of the competition, where they secured a total of ₱230,000 in financial grants to further advance their innovation.

OnioNet addresses a pressing concern in local agriculture—post-harvest loss in onion production. By leveraging a barcode-based tagging and tracking system, the project introduces a cost-effective, recyclable, and sustainable method for managing onion storage. The system utilizes durable PVC cards with barcodes and carabiners, allowing farmers to monitor inventory in real time, reduce manual errors, and enhance traceability throughout the cold storage process.

The team comprises BSIT 4 students Jo Arman Ken N. Quiambao, Jericho T. Pineda, and Mc Osmund Caesar L. Espejo. Their work is guided by faculty mentor Ms. Rocel Audrey J. Batara of the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT) at SMU. Their first major breakthrough occurred during the iDeaTech Challenge 2024, where OnioNet was awarded first place for its potential to transform agricultural management through digital innovation.

The team’s journey through the Young Farmers Challenge began at the Provincial Level Search on February 19, 2025, held at the DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center in Ilagan City, Isabela. There, OnioNet was selected from among 49 agribusiness contenders across Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya. Their business model, which integrates technology with sustainable agricultural practices, garnered the attention of evaluators from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and representatives from academic and private sectors—earning them a ₱80,000 grant.

Advancing to the Regional Evaluation on March 25–26, 2025, the team secured one of seven Outstanding Regional Awardee slots and an additional ₱150,000 in funding. The awarding ceremony took place on April 11, 2025, at Robinsons Place, Tuguegarao City, Isabela, affirming the team’s regional leadership in the digital agriculture category.

Crucially, OnioNet has received technical and developmental support from the Department of Science and Technology – Isabela State University Smart City Technology Business Incubator (DISC-TBI). The incubator provided expert guidance in refining the team’s Business Model Canvas (BMC), strengthening their pitch presentations, and enhancing their prototype development. This partnership underscores the value of academic-industry collaborations in cultivating viable tech-based agricultural solutions.

The Young Farmers Challenge, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), is a national initiative designed to promote youth engagement in agripreneurship by offering strategic financial support and mentorship opportunities.

As OnioNet advances to the national stage, it exemplifies how young minds, empowered by academic institutions and innovation ecosystems, can create transformative solutions rooted in the realities of local communities. The project not only represents the ingenuity of Marian students but also affirms the relevance of technology in ensuring food security and agricultural resilience across the Philippines.