A team from the UPLB-BIOMECH project, comprised of Engr. Ronel S. Pangan, Director, Dr. Maria Victoria L. Larona, University Researcher II, Engr. John Paul G. Tobias, Project Technical Assistant III, and Ms. Maria Liza Espina, Project Administrative I, accompanied by Engr. Zaldie C. Gawad from DOST Oriental Mindoro visited three private institutions on Mindoro Island. The team were also joined by Engr. Delfin C. Cuevas Jr. of Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, Architect Francis Neil B. Quijano of Agritektura Enterprises, and Mr. Nelson B. Diona of Red Gate Farm Supplies.
Farmwell Agrimac Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing is a private institution known for its exceptional Research and Development (R&D) efforts in agricultural mechanization, with a focus on developing innovative and cost-effective seeders on Mindoro Island. Engr. Cuevas, a retired Electrical Engineer from Canada, returned to the Philippines to pursue his vision of creating machinery that would benefit Mindoro and contribute to the advancement of the nation.
The team then proceeded to Agritektura Enterprises. Architect Quijano, through Agrutektura, is making a significant contribution to fishery mechanization and enhancing food security on the island by developing equipment for aquaculture and aquaponics.
After that, the team visited Red Gate Farm Supplies, where Mr. Diona conducts his own Research and Development (R&D), particularly focusing on the development of a fully automated feed mill.
The project was introduced to them as a compendium or catalog of developed mechanization from various institutions, including Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Research and Development Institutions (RDIs), and local manufacturers and fabricators. The catalog would be distributed to different parts of the country as a reference to prevent research duplication and facilitate the promotion of their products.
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)