On November 20, 2023, the UPLB Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (UPLB-BIOMECH) visited the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Catarman, Samar. The purpose of this visit was to provide an introduce and collect information for the “Compendium of Developed Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Technologies in the Philippines” project, funded by DOST-PCAARRD. This visit also facilitated discussions about the 2023 AFMechRDEN HEIs/SUCs consultative meeting.
The compendium project, which focuses on Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) as key contributors to agri-fisheries mechanization technology in the Philippines, is in its initial phase. UPLB-BIOMECH has been visiting institutions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The BIOMECH Project Team, led by Engr. Yara Ayman El Adawi, conducted discussions at UEP. Attendees included Rem Laodeno (Dean, College of Engineering), Rommel P. Noble (Chairperson, BS ABE Program), Simmon Jr M. Tan (Faculty, BS ABE Program), and Evelyn B. Vista (Faculty, BS ABE Program).
Engr. El Adawi introduced the Compendium Project, a collection of agricultural technologies developed by HEIs, RDIs, and local manufacturers. Its goal is to showcase these innovations, prevent duplicate technologies, and foster agricultural advancements through innovations.
Key aspects of the project include developing an online database for ongoing updates and inclusion of new technologies, focusing on those between technology readiness levels 6 to 9. UEP has patented technologies for evaluation to be submitted to the project.
The upcoming national AFMech HEI consultative meeting was also discussed, with an emphasis on new research agendas and potential collaborations among HEIs.
To know more information about the project, visit: https://biomech.uplb.edu.ph/compendium-project/
(Yara Ayman A. El Adawi)