On March 07, 2024, the UPLB-BIOMECH team visited Mindoro State University (MinSU). The team was led by Engr. Ronel S. Pangan (BIOMECH Director), along with Dr. Maria Victoria L. Larona (University Researcher II) Engr. John Paul G. Tobias (Project Technical Assistant III) and Ms. Maria Liza Espina (Project Admin I). The purpose of the visit was to discuss the specifics of the project funded by DOST-PCAARD titled “Compendium of Developed Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization of the Philippines.”
MinSU is dedicated in developing machinery for processing high-value crops such as coconut, calamansi, banana, and other crops. This initiative is a crucial step towards accelerating the processing of these crops, guaranteeing their quality, and prolonging their shelf life. This effort represents an effective solution to the country’s food security concerns.
The team started with a courtesy call at the Office of the President to Dr. Christian Anthony C. Agutaya, OIC-University President, along with Mr. Macario B. Masagca Jr., Research and Development Director, Ms. Sharon Cruz, Senior Science Specialist, and Ms. Jezell Dela Cruz, Information Officer III. Also present were Engr. Mark Keyloard C. Onal, OIC-Head, and Engr. July Kit T. Lacsina, both from the Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
The team then proceeded to the IABE Building together with Engr. Onal and Engr. Lacsina. The compendium was introduced as a detailed catalog of the developed technologies in agriculture and fisheries. It can also serve as a means to promote the technologies they have developed. The importance of networking was also discussed, aiming to involve various higher education institutions offering BSABE in the development of national standards.
To know more information about the project, visit https://biomech.ceat.uplb.edu.ph/news/uplb-biomech-with-dost-pcaarrd-jumpstarts-compendium-of-developed-agri-fisheries-mechanization-technologies-in-the-philippines-project/ .
(John Paul G. Tobias)