Select Page

On September 27, 2024, representatives from the Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH) visited the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). The purpose of the visit was to discuss their ongoing project, “Compendium of Developed Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Technologies in the Philippines.” This project, funded by DOST-PCAARRD, aims to promote the use of locally developed agricultural and fisheries mechanization technologies.

The team, led by Project Technical Assistant V, Engr. Ezra Ryza Noel, along with Engr. John Paul G. Tobias and Engr. Yara Ayman A. El Adawi, is working to collect and compile technologies developed by higher education institutions (HEIs), research and development institutes (RDIs), and local manufacturers into a comprehensive compendium. The goal of the project is to create a resource that encourages the widespread adoption of these local technologies. Another output of the project is the development of a continuously updated database to disseminate these innovations.

The first meeting took place at the DOST-ITDI with the institute’s director, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, and her research staff. The discussion focused on the current state of agricultural technologies in the Philippines, challenges in scaling up these technologies, and how the compendium can bridge gaps between technology developers and end-users.

Dr. Briones and her team expressed strong support for the project and emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutions and the government to drive innovation in agriculture and fisheries. 

Following the DOST-ITDI meeting, the team proceeded to DOST-MIRDC, where they met with Science Research Specialist Kathlyn Kai Negado. The discussions centered on the significant role of the metals industry in developing agricultural mechanization technologies. Ms. Negado highlighted ongoing projects that align with the compendium’s goal of promoting local technologies, particularly in the production of durable and affordable mechanization equipment.

The insights and feedback gathered during the visits to DOST-ITDI and DOST-MIRDC will help shape the final outputs of the project. Collaboration with these institutions will be key as BIOMECH continues its work to develop a strong and accessible repository of agricultural and fisheries mechanization technologies.

By compiling and disseminating these technologies through a compendium and a dynamic database, the project aims to contribute to the advancement of Philippine agriculture, driving innovation and efficiency through homegrown solutions.

Yara Ayman A. El Adawi