The UPLB Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (UPLB BIOMECH) together with Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) visits the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Visayas, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on February 26, 2024 to discuss possible collaboration and the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project “Compendium of Developed Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Technologies in the Philippines” in support of the AFMech Law of 2013.
The UPLB BIOMECH team led by Director Ronel S. Pangan, PhD together with Engr. Ronnie Valencia, Engineer II, and Engr. Ezra Ryza Noel, Project Technical Assistant V, discussed the mandate and role of UPLB BIOMECH in conducting innovative agricultural and biosystems engineering interventions. Together with the visiting team are Atty. Eric Reynoso, Program Head, and Ms. Darlyn Angeles, Program Specialist, at the Emerging Innovation for Growth Development (EIGD), together with Ms. Marie Cris Mendoza of SEARCA.
The vital role of universities with locally developed agricultural and fisheries mechanization technologies in the development of a compendium that will help researchers, interested end-users, and developers across the country were emphasized during the discussions.
The teams were welcomed by the TUP Visayas officials led by Campus Director, Dr. Eric A. Malo-oy, and Assistant Director for Research and Extension, Gregorio Crisostomo, together with Rene V. Bolo, MM, TUPV Faculty Association President, Jovel V. Young, MT, Head of Extension Services, Gershom A. Defe, MECE, Dean of the College of Automation and Control, Marc Francis M. Siason, MT, RME, Dean of the College of Engineering Technology, and Ms. Rutchel Pabalinas, Administrative Officer IV. Prolific discussion between the institutions have provided key insights that ensured the ease of the project implementation.
Throughout the discussions, there was a strong emphasis on the importance of improving collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Research and Development Institutions (RDIs), and Private Institutions. The project’s success will play a crucial role in boosting productivity within the agri-fisheries sector and optimizing the efficiency of agri-fisheries production processes.
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/ .
(Ezra Ryza R. Noel)