Experts from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte took water and soil samples from Lake Bito in MacArthur, Leyte on April 30, 2013. This is to know the status of the lake because according to the officers and members of the Unahin Natin Lagi Ang Diyos Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (UNLAD-BLFFA), the water in Lake Bito has turned red and they are afraid that the lake is dying.

Mr. Nicanor Perlas, Smart Agriculture Program (SAP) Head, together with his staff, Ms. Shiela R. Castillo-Tiangco, conducted interviews on May 8-10, 2013 with some VSU scientists and researchers.

During the interview with Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, the VSU President clearly discussed the different research activities conducted by the University, especially in mitigating climate change. He mentioned about the Protected Vegetable Production projects jointly initiated by VSU and the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) that are implemented in some communities in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. "We found out that this Protected Vegetable Production initiative is very effective, thus we are expanding this to some strategic places in Samar," Dr. Bacusmo said.