DZMJ Online Season 12 Episode 12 is at the Pandesal Forum in Kamuning Bakery and Cafe with the Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez about Rice Tariffication.
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BCAARRD conducts pitching on queen pineapple, sweet potato, and coconut technologies during FIESTA
A technology pitching on Queen pineapple (QP), sweet potato, and coconut was conducted during the second day of the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) of the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (BCAARRD).
Attended by farmers and investors from the region, the activity took place at the Farmers Bounty Village in Cabangan, Camalig, Albay, on March 8, 2019.
Among the presenters were Dr. John Fitzken Da Vinci M. Niro of Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), Ms. Michelle S. Carbonell of Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), and Dr. Janessa A. Reyes of Bicol University College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT).
Dr. Niro presented the production of cocoboards as a natural building material made from coconut husk. He discussed both board laboratory production and the pilot semi-industrial size production process of cocoboards. He also mentioned that the technology produces low cost and environment-friendly building materials that favor organic waste utilization.
The technology was also said to be successful under normal operating conditions, but further development is necessary to address some slight performance issues. It was also awarded in the Innovation Shelter competition during the 6th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum on September 6-7, 2017 at Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Ms. Carbonell presented the different technologies on QP. The first technology discussed was the Queen’s Coal, wherein QP waste materials are utilized to produce coals and charcoal briquettes. The second technology presented was the QP Bran. Carbonell noted that it has enzymes that help in digestion, reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, has anti-clotting properties, and provides relief to indigestion.
The last technology Carbonell presented was the All Purpose QP Marinade and Sauce. According to Carbonell, the marinade is an excellent source of vitamin C, rich in fiber, and has Crude Bromelain extract that tenderizes meat.
Lastly, Dr. Reyes discussed the sweet potato coco yam energy bar. She promoted the energy bar as a cheaper and healthier alternative to other brands of energy bars in the market. It was said to be an energy bar with the nutritional benefits of sweet potato and coco yam. Dr. Reyes also mentioned the use of rice germ and pili nuts as additional ingredients of the energy bar.
The pitching was conducted in line with FIESTA’s objective to serve as an avenue for technology transfer and commercialization (Gian Carlo D. Camacho, DOST-PCAARRD Media Services).
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Three major handicraft production and supply networks in PH identified in study
A study titled “Supply Chain Improvement of Commercially Important Forest Vines in Selected Areas in the Philippines” found that there are three major handicraft production and supply networks in the country. These are in Quezon-Batangas-Camarines, Bohol-Cebu, and Aklan. The major processes along the chain are vine extraction or gathering, handicraft production, vine consolidating, and trading.
These findings were discussed during a midterm review, a monitoring and evaluation activity, conducted by the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The project, which will end on November 2019, is expected to complete the supply chain analysis, including the identification of activities and processes along the chain; analysis in the flow of product information and payment; determination of the logistic issues (transportation, sourcing of inputs, and packaging); and identification of external influences (i.e., policies and ordinances).
Headed by Carolyn C. Garcia of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), the project aims to provide recommendation for improvement in the supply chain towards efficient and effective production and marketing of forest vines.
Forest vines are largely abundant in the Philippine forests. In fact, the country is the second largest world producer of handicrafts. Vines, specifically forest vines, are one of the least studied non-timber forest products in the country. While there is a seemingly abundant supply of forest vines in the Philippine forests, the country is still experiencing problem on export due to insufficient supply of raw materials and stiff competition from ASEAN counterparts.
This is the result of problems and challenges affecting the forest vine industry. Among them is the inefficient extraction and processing technology, and lack of raw material supply among others.
The midterm review was conducted on February 6, 2019 at PCAARRD. It was facilitated by SERD under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto Brown. The meeting was also attended by Forester Mario DR. Ramos and Dr. Nimfa K. Torreta, Biodiversity Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager of the Forestry and Environment Research Division of PCAARRD (Annette M. Tobias, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services).
