Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium Reporter
April-June 2021| VOL 33, ISSUE NO. 2| ISSN 0118-6442
CMIs virtually pedal with ILAARRDEC for technology clustering (page 2) INSIDE HIGHLIGHT STORIES • ILAARRDEC trains CMIs in research proposal writing, packaging (page 3) • ILAARRDEC CMIs reap awards in PCAARRD’s tech pitch days (page 4) • ILAARRDEC trains CMIs on conducting virtual events, exhibits (page 6) • MMSU launches garlic, other agri-food condiments R&D center (page 7) • DOST-PCAARRD, MMSU launch agri-aqua technology business incubator (page 8) • DOST oks MMSU’s P9.5-M fund to develop anti-inflammatory herbal products (page 9) ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 About the Cover
Padyak ILAARRDEC: Driving towards a Sustainable Development through Technology Commercialization and Promotion
Educating and technologies in agriculture, empowering our workforce in aquatic, and natural resources. The poster was posted in the official Research, Development, and The collaged bikers are the Facebook account and page of the Extension (RDE) network is an key persons of the consortium consortium, in time with the Webinar on important endeavor to attain who untiringly shares their Technology Clustering on May 21, 2021. development. services and knowledge to reach the goal of racing technology he Ilocos Agriculture, The cyclist represents the promotion and utilization. Aquatic and Natural RDE workers and practitioners, T Resources Research and the flag is the basket of “Join us as we travel the Development Consortium innovative technologies where journey of educating our (ILAARRDEC) together with its stakeholders can choose workforce. Let us together learn member institutions joined the appropriate technologies for the clusters of technologies as Commission on Higher Education them; the wheels represent the well as promoting and extending it (CHED) in celebrating its 27th consortium and its CMIs, to our intended clientele – our anniversary with the theme, working together and gearing farmers, fishers, and community Moving Forward, Claiming Victory towards one direction. A vehicle members.” for Philippine Higher Education. to reach the target users of the CMIs virtually pedal with ILAARRDEC for technology clustering By Arianne Joy D. Tabangay
A total of 89 researchers, the Mariano Marcos State were equipped to help people help technology generators, and other University (MMSU) said that the themselves” Dr. Agrupis added. representatives from the member activity was conducted by the Moreover, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, institutions of the Ilocos Agriculture, consortium to provide researchers ILAARRDEC program leader, said Aquatic and Natural Resources with the knowledge on proper that all these initiatives will Research and Development protocols related to the accelerate countryside development. Consortium (ILAARRDEC) identification and documentation of participated in the Virtual Padyak mature and appropriate The consortium tapped an for Technology Clustering on May technologies for dissemination, expert from DOST-PCAARRD, Mr. 21, 2021. promotion, adoption, and Jose Tomas Cabagay, the Assistant commercialization. Director/ Supervising Science This was a collaborative Research Specialist of the activity of the CMIs, to celebrate “A technology delayed Technology Transfer and Promotion with the Commission on Higher means service denied for the Division as the resource speaker. He Education (CHED) in its 27th people,” said Dr. Shirley C. shared his expertise on technology Anniversary. Agrupis, ILAARRDEC Regional transfer framework and pathways to Research and Development capacitate the researchers in The “padyak” was a virtual Coordinating Council (RRDCC) developing strategies/initiatives for drive to strengthen the promotion Chairperson. She emphasized wider dissemination, adoption, and and commercialization of new that the ILAARRDEC’s virtual commercialization of technologies. innovative technologies in padyak is done to strengthen the agriculture, aquatic, and natural promotion and commercialization As an output, each resources. of our new innovative technologies participating CMIs came up with the in agriculture, aquatic and natural list or initial inventory of their R&D Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, the resources. “With the technologies program and determined their Chief of the University Innovation and knowledge, we gave through categories, whether research or and Technology Services Office of our research noble outputs, we development.
2 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 ILAARRDEC trains CMIs in research proposal writing, packaging By Arianne Joy D. Tabangay
he Ilocos Agriculture, proposals which will be The lecturers discussed, Aquatic, and Natural submitted to funding agencies. among others, Project Cycle T Resources Research and This call was backed up by Dr. Management, Packaging Project Development Consortium Aris Reynold V. Cajigal, the Proposal, PCAARRD Project (ILAARRDEC) conducted a three- Regional Techno Transfer Proposal Format, and other day training workshop on Coordinator of the consortium, related topics that surely helped Research Proposal Writing and emphasizing that the main the participants to come up with Packaging on June 28-30, 2021 objective of the training was to an effective proposal for initial via zoom. equip the participants with the funding. knowledge and skills of preparing This three-day webinar was and writing research, Workshops, brainstorming, participated by 118 researchers development, and extension and consultations with the from the different member proposals based on institutional lecturers were conducted through institutions of the consortium. agenda as well as the break out rooms per member requirements of funding institutions to ensure that Right from the start of the agencies. participants are guided well in webinar, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, coming up with the required the program leader of the Experts from the University output. Participants were asked to consortium encouraged the of the Philippines, Los Baños come up with Strengths, participants saying “we are eager (UPLB) were invited as resource Weaknesses, Opportunities, and to help you embrace your role as persons. The team was headed Threats (SWOT) analysis, a driver of change, and see your by Prof. Wilfredo B. Carada, an problem and objective tree, value to lead in the future and be adjunct professor; Dr. Miriam prioritization, stakeholders' the rising sunshine of our CMIs to Caryl Carada, and Dr. Maria analysis, and the executive brief of continue and create more of the Kristina Galvez Alinsunurin, both their chosen research. The niche projects we have in the assistant professors at the outputs were as well presented region.” Institute for Governance and and critiqued by the lecturers. Rural Development, College of As such, she challenged Public Affairs and Development. them to come up with research Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 3 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 ILAARRDEC CMIs reap awards in PCAARRD’s tech pitch days By Lord Ian R. Galano
he Consortium Member awarded P 500.00 cash to the preserving the Vigan longganisa in Institutions (CMI) of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State a bottle with a solution of canola T Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, College (ISPSC) being the most oil and spices. and Natural Resources Research improved technology pitcher and Development Consortium during the event. ISPSC Moreover, NLPSC also (ILAARRDEC) garnered three presented their Amorre Carrot- presented their product dubbed as rd awards during the 3 Department Turmeric Tea with Dr. Dominador “Kappo: Swan Mussel Bagoong,” of Science and Technology- Ayson, Jr. as technology pitcher. a native and innovative food Philippine Council for Agriculture, The technology aims to produce product derived from the Swan Aquatic, and Natural Resources a tea that is acceptable by tea mussel or locally known as Kappo Research and Development and non-tea drinkers that has of Sigay, Ilocos Sur. (DOST-PCAARRD) Technology health benefits and better taste Pitch Days, virtually held on May and aroma. While DMMMSU pitched 27-28, 2021. their “Chevon Products,” wherein, Other CMIs also pitched processed goat meat marinated With their flavorful food their technologies during the with spices and cooked with other product dubbed as BB Oil or event, such as the University of specific ingredients are packaged “Bangus Binagoongan in Oil,” the Northern Philippines (UNP), in a retort pouches that are ready Pangasinan State University North Luzon Philippine State to eat. (PSU) bagged the first place College (NLPSC), and Don under the Best Technology Pitch Mariano Marcos Memorial State The outputs of the CMIs that category in the said event. BB Oil University (DMMMSU). were pitched during the event is is a bottled milk fish oil and one of the results of the capacity fermented shrimp sauce. This was UNP presented their building initiatives conducted by pitched by Mr. Christian Thom “Bottled Vigan Longganisa the PCAARRD-funded project Tabisola and the product was Gourmet,” an innovative way of See next page developed by Dr. Raquel C. Pambid, Mr. Cyril John A. Domingo, and Dr. Wilma M. De Vera. The PSU team received a cash award worth P 5,000.00.
The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) also garnered the second place with their technology named as “GroVig,” with Mr. Constante B. Julian as the technology pitcher. The technology was developed by Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao which pertains to the composition of a biochar medium for growing seedlings but more specifically to a hollow- cylindrical briquette made from carbonized rice hull and an organic fertilizer necessary to provide the nutrient requirement of seedlings. The team was awarded with cash award worth P 3,000.00.
Aside from the major awards presented, DOST-PCAARRD also Layout by Catalino Barroga, Jr. 4 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
First Place - BB Oil or Bangus Binagoongan in Oil from the Second Place - GroVig from the Mariano Marcos State University Pangasinan State University (PSU)
Most Improved Technology Pitcher - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic Kappo Bagoong from the North Luzon Philippines State College State College with their product “Amorre Carrot-Turmeric Tea”
Bottled Vigan Longganisa Gourmet from the University of Chevon Products from the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial Northern Philippines State University
“Sustaining MMSU’s IP-TBM from the various Regional Property and Technology Office and Enhancing IP-TBM Consortia in the country. The Business Management (IP-TBM) Offices among Member Agencies training aimed to capacitate Offices of the Consortia Member of ILAARRDEC,” with MMSU as researchers on pre- Agencies (Phase II) with the the lead agency. commercialization activities such Cavite State University (CavSU) as technology valuation and as lead agency. The program The Technology Pitch Day pitching. This activity is one of the SUSTAIN IP-TBM is composed of is the culmination activity of the deliverables of the PCAARRD five consortia in Regions I, IV-A, five-month long training on Funded Program “Support to the V, VI, XI and 30 state universities Technology Commercialization University’s Strategies in and colleges in the country. Mentorship Series to feature Technology Acceleration diverse agri-aqua technologies Initiatives by Nurturing (SUSTAIN) the Intellectual
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 5 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 ILAARRDEC trains CMIs in conducting virtual events, exhibits
Participants from the Consortium member institution join the four-day webinar on Conducting Virtual Events and Exhibits on May 24- 27, 2021. (Screenshots from Zoom)
By Lord Ian R. Galano “As we transition deeper in social media, social media the new normal, we have analytics, and DOST-PCAARRD “Adjusting and stepping strengthened the knowledge and perspective on PCAARRD’s virtual into virtual platform in this new skills of our researchers and knowledge sharing and Science normal.” extension or development and Technology (S&T) promotion. workers, so we may continue to With the aim of capacitating be relevant, seen, and As a final output, the the researchers and extension or appreciated in the world of digital participants were required to come development workers from its technologies,” Dr. Epifania O. -up with a two to five-minute video Consortium Member Institutions Agustin, ILAARRDEC Program of their technologies and services (CMI), the Ilocos Agriculture, Leader emphasized during the along Agriculture, Aquatic, and Aquatic, and Natural Resources opening program. Natural Resources (AANR), for Research and of Development virtual exhibit. Their outputs were Consortium (ILAARRDEC) She added that the subjected to evaluation by the spearheaded a four-day webinar consortium has to remain training management team as well on conducting virtual events and updated and well-capacitated on the resource speakers from DOST- exhibits, virtually held on May 24- the new and emerging PCAARRD. 27, 2021. technologies, and continue to be meaningful and impactful in In her message during the A total of 41 researchers and promoting Research closing program of the four-day extension or development workers Development and Extension webinar, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, from various CMIs participated (RDE) initiatives and other chair of the Regional Research during the webinar. The activities through the virtual and Development Coordinating consortium tapped the expertise of world. Council (RRDCC) of the 10 personnel from the Applied consortium challenged the Communication Division (ACD) of Topics discussed during participants to apply their learnings the Philippine Council for the four-day webinar were: in their respective institutions and Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural introduction to virtual events and continue promoting and Resources Research and overview of social media communicating RDE initiatives to Development (PCAARRD) as platforms, touchpoints of virtual the stakeholders via virtual and resource speakers. exhibit, multimedia production, physical activities. promoting virtual events through
6 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 MMSU launches garlic, other agri-food condiments R&D center By Lord Ian R. Galano
he Mariano Marcos State Garlic and Other Agri-Food Philippines to be led by Ms. Noralyn University (MMSU) is now Condiments R&D Center as well B. Legaspi; improvement of garlic T set to start the Garlic and as the project leaders. and other agri-food condiments Other Agri-Food Condiments productivity through integrated crop R&D Center this May 2021. This is one of the newly management system to be approved programs under the spearheaded by Dr. Bucao; MMSU together with the DOST's Accelerated R&D Program development and evaluation of Philippine Council for Agriculture, for Capacity Building of Research village level low-cost storage Aquatic, and Natural Resources and Development Institutions and structure for garlic with Engr. Research and Development Industrial Competitiveness: Niche Michael Duldulao as the project (PCAARRD) and Department of Centers in the Regions for R&D leader; enhanced usability and Science and Technology-Region (NICER). It has a total fund of profitability of garlic through black (DOST) convened virtually on April P35.5-M from DOST. garlic processing to be led by Dr. 30, 2021 for the inception meeting Agrupis; and value chain analysis of to launch the garlic and other agri- The program generally aims garlic in the country with Ms. food condiments R&D center. to help increase the Sheena Lidora as the project competitiveness of garlic and the leader. The activity was set to orient other condiments, such as the the project team on the approved multiplier onion, ginger, chili During the meeting, Dr. goals, objectives, expected pepper, black pepper, and turmeric Calora pledged the full support of outputs, and activities; define and in the market. It also targets to PCAARRD to the R&D appreciate the roles and develop a successful chain for undertakings of the newly approved responsibilities of staff and these products, including their program of MMSU. stakeholders involved in the processing and storage facilities. projects; clarify the work plan, For and on behalf of MMSU budget, and other financial/ The program comprises of and the program team, Dr. Agrupis administrative concerns relative to five component projects. These thanked DOST and PCAARRD for project implementation; and include the collection, guiding the team in the final discuss the monitoring and characterization, conservation and program proposal as well as the evaluation guidelines for the improvement of garlic and chili funding support granted for the program. genetic resources in the implementation of the program.
Present in the inception meeting were officials and staff from PCAARRD led by Dr. Feliciano G. Calora, Jr., Deputy Executive Director for R&D, together with Dr. Edna A. Anit, Director of the Crops Research Division, Mr. Gilbert M. Poralan, Jr., Program Manager of the Science for Change (S4C)-NICER Program, DOST-Office of the Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, Director of DOST-R1, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, President of MMSU, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, Program Leader of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), and Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, Program Leader of the
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 7 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DOST-PCAARRD, MMSU launch agri-aqua technology business incubator By Lord Ian R. Galano
he Department of Science seeming need to establish MMSU enterprises and complement the and Technology-Philippine -ATBI to promote existing MSMEs in the locality as T Council for Agriculture, entrepreneurship and produce well. Aquatic, and Natural Resources successful and viable firms by Research and Development providing business development It is hoped that through the (DOST-PCAARRD) and Mariano services,” Prof. Mishael Joy MMSU-ATBI, the University will be Marcos State University (MMSU) Barrera, the Project Leader able to commercialize Research launched the establishment of the emphasized. and Development (R&D) outputs, MMSU-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua transfer technologies to intended Technology Business Incubator This endeavor is envisioned users, create employment, and (ATBI) on April 27, 2021, via to support the launch and growth accelerate the creation of new zoom and Facebook Live. of promising ventures in the enterprises in the region for Ilocos Region. MMSU-ATBI DAP- economic development. Dubbed as “MMSU ATBI AYAN will also assist Micro, DAP-AYAN” or Divergent Small and Medium Enterprises “We accept the challenge Aspirations Pivoting Alliances and (MSME) in the region in and today, we stamp that Networks, the MMSU-ATBI aims improving their business commitment to sustain our efforts to respond to the challenges of operations and productivity, for the people. Now, we announce establishing and enhancing specifically in providing to the world that we are now even agribusiness TBIs as well as assistance in regulatory bolder to bring change closer to the creating jobs, promoting public- requirements, intellectual people,” Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, the private partnerships, and property protection and other MMSU President stressed. developing entrepreneurs for services. regional economic development. Other guests virtually present Prof. Barrera added that the during the launching were Dr. Noel “MMSU is taking the leap to establishment of MMSU-ATBI C. Catibog, Director of the strengthen its technology DAP-AYAN will provide a more Technology Transfer and promotion and transfer programs conducive ecosystem for Promotion Division of PCAARRD, to enhance client service and entrepreneurs to promote and Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, Regional reach. As such, there is a nurture technology-based Director of DOST-Region I, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, Program Leader of the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), Dr. Carmelo J. Esteban, Vice President for Research, Extension and Business of MMSU, and Ms. Rosario Quodala, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Ilocos Norte.
The PCAARRD-funded project “Establishment of the MMSU-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (MMSU-PCAARRD ATBI)” is under the supervision of the University Innovation and Technology Support Office (UITSO) led by Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao as the Chief. Layout by Catalino Barroga, Jr. 8 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DOST oks MMSU’s P9.5-M fund to develop anti-inflammatory herbal products By John Vincent B. Toribio, Mariano Marcos State University
he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) T has approved the Php 9.5- million fund for the third year of the Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) project to develop anti-inflammatory herbal products from five Iluko indigenous plant species (IPs).
In a virtual conference last May 18, 2021, DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) granted the MMSU’s Tuklas Lunas Development Center (MMSU- TLDC) with said fund to continue embarking in the development of Researchers of the MMSU’s Tuklas Lunas Development Center are set to implement the anti-inflammatory herbal products third phase project on developing anti-inflammatory herbal products from five Iluko from nontoxic, bioactive extracts indigenous plant species after securing a Php 9.5 million fund from the Department of from IPs. Science and Technology. Photo by MMSU-StratCom
The grant includes a carry- that these products will meet the Other members of the team over budget of almost PhP 2.2 regulatory requirements of the include Ms. Maingelline B. Vivit million unexpended amount from World Health Organization (WHO) and Prof. Kristian Gay D. Beltran, last year. and Food and Drug project staff, and Ms. Riena Administration (FDA) on herbal Kristen Agustin, research Based on the results of the medicines. assistant. first project, extracts from five IPs labelled as MMSU-0001, MMSU- “We have to aggressively Simultaneously, the team is 0004, MMSU-0024, MMSU-0031 advance the use of plant-based partnering with the experts of and MMSU-0034 are potentially medicine as it offers less lethal Pascual Laboratories, Inc. for the good to be developed as herbal side effects if compared to second component project under drugs, based on their safety synthetic drugs,” said MMSU the program which is the chemical profile and anti-inflammatory President Shirley C. Agrupis who standardization of the raw bioactivity confirmed through in serves as the project leader. materials produced and vitro assays. formulated dosage forms. She added that since the With this, MMSU now aims project involves IPs in Ilocos It could be remembered that to develop standardized, safe, and Norte, a new industry in the DOST also gave a Php 12.3- effective herbal products in province can flourish where local million-fund last 2018 to start the prototype oral (tablet or capsule) farmers may provide the raw first project and Php 11.9 million and topical dosage (cream, materials and process the on May 2020 to launch the third ointment or gel) forms from the manufacturing of herbal products. project on formulation. spray-dried extracts of the five IPs. Prof. Anabelle B. Alejo, DOST’s Tuklas Lunas TLDC chief, added that the program, together with MMSU- The project team further program “may lead us to market TLDC, envisions to produce intends to forward these an affordable, quality, safe and quality, safe, and effective herbal prototypes to preclinical and efficacious herbal drug or medicinal products derived from clinical development to ensure supplement.” Philippine biodiversity.
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 9 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DOST, MMSU to empower communities in Carasi
MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis (left) signs the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program in Carasi, Ilocos Norte, as being witnessed by the officials of the DOST in Region I. Photo by MMSU-StratCom
By Kimberly S. Miguel and Aris Reynold V. Cajigal Mariano Marcos State University
he Department of Science science and technology (S&T) For her part, President and Technology (DOST) in interventions in Carasi to help Agrupis said the university T Region I has tied up with the mitigate problems on health and “remains committed as an active Mariano Marcos State University nutrition, water and sanitation, development partner and a pillar (MMSU) to implement the basic education and literacy, of knowledge and expertise as we Community Empowerment through hazard mitigation and climate help people help themselves.” Science and Technology (CEST) change adaptation, and program in Carasi, Ilocos Norte this livelihood / economic enterprise Joining the virtual MOA signing year. development. were DOST-Ilocos Norte Director Benjamin Mercado, Jr.; DOST CEST is an ongoing To realize this, the Assistant Regional Director for development initiative for the less department and the university will Field Operations Ismael D. privileged communities in the Ilocos conduct community organizing Gurtiza; barangay captains Arnel Region. It supports the national and social mobilization activities Bondoc of Barbaquezo, Eric government’s goal to eradicate in barangays Barbaquezo, Advincula of Virbira, and Edwin poverty, raise livelihoods, ensure Virbira, and Angset. Sueb of Angset; and, other local food security and provide healthy government officials and school and physically safe environment. Dr. Ganal assured the heads in the said town. CEST is bound by a sense of This partnership was respect of town’s cultural Carasi is a fifth-class municipality formalized through a virtual signing heritage, traditions, and beliefs. and one of the youngest towns in of the memorandum of agreement Ilocos Norte. (MOA) between DOST Regional Meanwhile, Mayor Gaspar Director Armando Ganal, MMSU expressed support to the In 2019, the CEST program was President Shirley C. Agrupis, and program, hoping that it would first implemented in Dumalneg, Carasi Mayor Rene Gaspar last help the local government of Ilocos Norte where livelihood May 17. Carasi “rise above its problems training programs for the through appropriate S&T community were conducted. In the agreement, DOST- interventions.” RO1 and MMSU will provide 10 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
USAID grants MMSU with P4-M to widen Nipahol tech By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr., Mariano Marcos State University
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grants the Php 4 million fund to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) for its plan to establish another village-scale bioethanol industry using nipa sap. This project is in-line with WARP (Widening Application of Research within the Pandemic). Photo by MMSU-StratCom
Strong partnerships. (VSNT) in Aparri, Cagayan to In this line, the team will Sustainable projects. enable the community to produce conduct capacity-building their own 70% ethyl alcohol. activities to equip its partners in The United States Agency “This will strongly push us the said town with the required for International Development toward technology franchising,” technical and entrepreneurial (USAID) grants the Mariano Engr. Ubiña added. skills for their operations. Marcos State University (MMSU) with a Php 4 million fund in line MMSU President Shirley C. Also, they will also apply for with its project WARP (Widening Agrupis, the principal investigator registration to the Food and Drug Application of Research within of the project, said the support Administration (FDA) through a the Pandemic). from USAID-STRIDE brings the side-by-side laboratory analysis University closer to its dream of with its certified laboratories and Through its Science Technology, franchising bioethanol production in-house researchers to ensure Research and Innovation for in the region, and vertically product quality and consumers’ Development (STRIDE) program, integrating the nipa community safety. Moreover, market, supply the international agency funds and the bioethanol industry. and value chain, SWOT and MMSU’s plan to establish PEST analyses will be conducted. another village-scale bioethanol “This will further help us industry using nipa sap. sustain renewable energy and The research project is create resilient communities amid based on the previously-funded Engr. Thomas Ubiña, chief the pandemic,” Dr. Agrupis MMSU project in 2014 that led to of MMSU National Bioenergy added. the development of proprietary Research and Innovation Center fermentation and distillation (NBERIC), said the project aims She received the WARP technologies that produced high- to deploy two units of Village- grant certificate in a virtual grade bioethanol from various Scale Nipahol Technology ceremony held today, April 27. feedstocks. See page 13 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 11 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 Fighting poverty, DOST’s account
Community through Science and Technology (CEST) conducted Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) in Ilocos Sur. CEST staff represented by Mr. John Oliver de Vera, Mr. Elijah Balagot and CEST Program Head, Engr. Jordan Abad. Photographed by Thea So.
By Kent Jerico Ramil, Thea Mitzi So, Mae Grace Copleting, Maura Andrea Ortega, and Marinique Guerrero, Department of Science and Technology-Region I
oo often still, we think we products. It was even harder to next generation, the community know what poverty looks earn cash that they needed to buy eagerly applied and was willing to T like. It is the way we have things they could not grow or make be taught innovations in been taught; the images we have such as school supplies or agriculture, waste management, been fed for decades. A struggling household goods. and product development. farmer. A lad with a lack of education. A low to zero sources of We began to implement Somehow, there is a silver family income. Too often we think Community Empowerment through lining of hope by progressively and blame the people for being Science and Technology (CEST) applying what they were taught, poor, but we never asked in Ilocos Sur. Initially, we entered and started to learn, thrive, and ourselves “As public servants, what the community through a improve just like the urban can I do to these people”? relationship with various local communities. Their water system government officials in twelve (12) was fixed, their crops yielded, and Empowering lives and municipalities. Through a series of even impact on health and building communities through public community meetings, the education could be observed. We Science and Technology with community members organized became a part of the realization of binding hope that enables voices of themselves into a development their small dreams because we struggles and challenges to be council and began identifying the took the first step even before they heard. This collective action allows needs and dreams of their are ready. poor communities to make use of community. necessary resources and provide This is the reason why we services that will improve the We have paved the way for were chosen to serve our people, livelihood of brothers and sisters in technological interventions we from the Department of the Cultural Communities. developed by S&T Sectors of the Science and Technology should agency. Educated these naïve shed a ray of hope that someday, For years of working with our young and adults of the community we envision our communities marginalized upland farmers in and saw limitless opportunities to which are in the marginalized region 1, hunger, lack of plant seeds of hope expecting to sectors of our country, to be technology, low income with its grow enormously as the livable, sustainable, and resilient. accompanying friend, poverty, was community moves forward to an a constant threat in this area. We era of technological advancement. Afterall, poverty is not a can assure you, these communities story about them, it is about us are good farmers, but would not Wanting to lift their cry for a and how we will change it. know how to develop their farm better future and livelihood for the
12 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DOST-1 extends support to sossy bites food trading through SETUP By Princess P. Abuan, Department of Science and Technology-Region I
he Department of Science stainless-steel food grade DOST SETUP is a form of and Technology Region 1 working table. innovation fund assistance that T (DOST I) through the encourages micro, small, and Provincial Science and Aside from the provision of medium enterprise (MSMEs) to Technology Center of La Union equipment, Ms. Lasquite also adopt technological innovations to (PSTC-LU) provided technological benefited from DOST’s current boost productivity and interventions to Sossy Bites Food Good Manufacturing Practices competitiveness. It covers the Trading through the DOST Small (GMP) seminar-workshop and following sectors – food Enterprise Technology Upgrading provision of proper plant lay-out processing, furniture, gifts, decors, Program (SETUP) – Innovation- that adheres to the Food and handicrafts, agriculture/marine/ Enabling Fund (iFund). Drug Administration (FDA) aquaculture, metals and requirements. engineering, ICT, Sossy Bites Food Trading is pharmaceuticals, health, and a home-grown business “We can already cater more wellness products. established in 2017 owned by Ms. orders, thank you to DOST for all Florence A. Lasquite. The your help", Ms. Lasquite added. business, which started with puto bumbong, now has a wide range of various native delicacies with a twist to include black kutsinta, ube puto maya, pichi-pichi, sapin-sapin, and fruity biko among others. Merienda classics like baked mac, cassava cakes, pancit bihon, palabok, and buchik are also available.
Ms. Lasquite wanted to improve the quality of her products and cater more orders so she sought assistance from DOST under the SETUP. She was granted funds payable for three years. The production facility of the firm was upgraded after receiving baking equipment such as single-deck gas oven, spiral mixer, and
USAID grants MMSU…from page 11
MMSU is among the only Union, University of San Carlos university can help address five higher education institutions in Cebu, and Mindanao State challenges within the new (HEIs) in the country which have University-Iligan Institute of operating environment of the been given the WARP grant this Technology. pandemic. year. Other universities include the University of the Philippines - The WARP grant Visayas, Don Mariano Marcos demonstrates how technologies Memorial State University in La and research capabilities in a
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 13 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 Ilocano farmers prove efficiency of farm machineries By Deejay Jimenez Philippine Rice Research Institute-Batac
hrough the RCEF as we applied the nutrient these modernize technologies,” technology demonstration management taught to us during said Alexander I. Agustin, T established at Brgy. the techno demo and patiently President of GAEFAI. Burayoc Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, waited for the result, we were PhilRice Batac was able to then amazed with the crop stand The PalaySikatan showcase the use of farm of our rice plants,” added Caalim. established in Pagudpud, Ilocos machineries to local farmers for Norte is a 6-ha techno demo field the first time. Mr. Clarence Dangcil, that showcased NSIC Rc 222, Rc RCEF technology demonstration 216, Rc 160, Rc 402, Rc 480, and According to Ms. Sherryl officer, shared that the showcase Rc 358, as well as the use Caalim, one of the farmer was made possible with the mechanical transplanter and cooperators, not one of the assistance of the skilled combine harvester. farmers in their area has ever operators from Golden Acra experienced using mechanical Empire Farmers Association Inc. The RCEF-Seed Program – a transplanter, but through the (GAEFAI) in Pasuquin, Ilocos component of the Rice RCEF technology demonstration Norte, which also provided the Tariffication Law, allocates Php dubbed as the PalaySikatan under mechanical transplanter. 3B fund every year for the seed the RCEF-Seed program, they requirements of rice farmers and were able to witness how “When PhilRice - Batac to help farmers produce rice that modernize technology is. approached us for assistance, can compete in the international we immediately approved their market. The local government “At first, some of our farmer request without any hesitation units and lawmakers assist in its cooperators doubted the efficiency because one of our goals is to implementation. of the mechanical transplanter, help our rice farmers reduce their because of our rainy weather, but cost of production by embracing Farmer-group benefits from RCEF program By Deejay Jimenez Philippine Rice Research Institute-Batac
A farmer association in Naguilian, La Union, reported an increase in their harvest and decrease in rice production cost through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program.
The Naguilian Irrigators’ Service Association Inc. was a recipient of farm machineries while 210 of their members received certified inbred seeds from RCEF.
Mr. Gregorio Ramos Jr., president of the association said that by using certified inbred rice seeds and farm machines, their harvest increased by 2t/ha, and some of them were able to pay their debts. Farmers from Naguilian, La Union posing for a thumbs up after receiving their free See page 16 certified inbred rice seeds for this 2021 Wet Season. Photo by PhilRice-Batac
14 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 Fish for every Juan: BFARs support to communities
The distribution was led by OIC-Regional Director Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan on April 21, 2021 to three assisted Women’s Associations in the province namely, Rabon Seaside Gracilaria Seaweeds Association, Ubagan Fisherfolk Association, and Centro Damortis Dried Fish Association.
The harvested bangus were from the collaborative research project of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center- Aquaculture Division (SEAFDEC/ AQD), and BFAR. Distribution of fish to a community at the City of San Fernando, La Union. Photo by BFAR-Region I In addition, the Department s part of its social inyong donasyon. Muli, of Social Welfare and responsibility, the Bureau of maraming salamat po sa inyong Development (DSWD)-Agoo A Fisheries and Aquatic tulong at suporta!” Home for the Girls was also Resources - Region 1 (BFAR-R1) granted with 30 kilos of the said supports the communities through Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, commodity, from the Aquafeed sharing some of its harvest from who has always been supportive Research, Development, and the bureau’s facilities in of the BFAR programs and Extension Project (ARDEP) based Pangasinan and La Union. projects, thanked the agency for at BFAR station in Sto. Tomas, La the donation. Union. Red tilapia to community pantries, quarantine facilities The red tilapias were “Sa dinami-rami po ng mga harvested from the experimental bata dito at sa mahal ng mga The bureau donated 150 marine fish cages at the Regional bilihin, malaking tulong po ang kilos red tilapia to community Mariculture Technology ibinigay na isda ng BFAR, lalo na pantries and quarantine facilities in Demonstration Center sa budget ng pagkain ng mga Alaminos City, Pangasinan to (RMaTDeC)-Lucap, Alaminos bata,” said Elna C. Sintinta, share in the needs of the CIty. This is part of the ongoing houseparent and Budget Focal community in this time of Research and Development Person of the institution. pandemic. Project of BFAR-RFO1 funded by the Department of Agriculture- “Malaki po ang pasasalamat The City Administrator Dr. Bureau of Agricultural Research namin sa BFAR sa patuloy na Emilou Gellado, together with the (DA-BAR) entitled "Performance pagbibigay nila ng mga president of the League of Evaluation of Red Tilapia nahaharvest nilang isda. Ito’y Barangay Raul Bacay and (Oreochromis mossambicus x naidadagdag sa sa pagkain ng company, received the donation Oreochromis niloticus) in Marine mga bata”, she added. from the Regional Mariculture and Freshwater Cages in Ilocos Technology Demonstration Center Region.” Twenty-five kilos each were led by the Officer In-Charge also provided to three quarantine Antonieta D. Evangelista on April Milkfish to communities facilities in the Rural Health Units 24, 2021. of Sto. Tomas, Agoo, and Rosario, Twenty kilos from the La Union. Another 20 kilos were Gellado said that the red bountiful milkfish (bangus) also given to San Agustin, San tilapia will be a big help to the city harvest of the bureau were Fernando City, La Union on April residents. “Marami po sa ating mga distributed to communities in the 26, 2021. - BFAR Uno kababayan ang matutulungan ng province of La Union.
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 15 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 CHED nods FRTI’s production of seaweed hand soap project
By Ida C. Junio, Hannah Nora Bayogan-Solimen, and Maricon Viduya, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
he Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has T approved the project “Production of Seaweed Hand Soap” of the Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI) of DMMMSU-North La Union Campus. The Project costs Php 948,785.05.
This is a quick response project to combat COVID-19 and seaweeds are found to have anti located will assist in the to support the Provincial -microbial components and are distribution of the products. Government of La Union’s fight active against gram-positive and against the threat of the gram-negative. The seaweed soap, pandemic. registered as seabon is a The project is expected to research output of the University. The project aims to produce produce 105,600 bars of hand It has a utility model Intellectual cheaper alternative source of soap at 20 g net wt/pc to be Property Right (IPR). hand soap with locally available distributed to the 20,520 raw materials like seaweeds, beneficiaries composed of Ms. Karen A. Ballada, particularly Kappaphycus and Euc faculty, staff and students of the faculty member of Biology hema spp. which are farmed in University, LGU frontliners, PNP/ department and head of NLUC the coastal areas of Balaoan, La AFP La Union, and DOH. The Extension Unit, leads the project Union. Seaweed hand soap or city government of the San with Prof. Arnulfo B. Junio, Mr. commonly known as Seabon is Fernando and local governments Richard N. Rivera, Mr. Joseph S. made of seaweed and papaya of Balaoan, Bacnotan, Agoo, Nerida as project staff. extracts, coconut oil and essential Sto. Tomas, and Rosario where scented oils. Studies show that the campuses/stations are
Farmer-group benefits ...from page 14
Tractor, mechanical The RCEF-Seed and DA-PhilRice leads the RCEF transplanter, and combine Mechanization Programs are -Seed Program, and is the harvester also contributed to components of Republic Act government’s lead agency on rice the reduction of their farm 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law research and development operation cost by P15,000. signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, mandated to help ensure a rice- Without the use of these farm which allots P10 billion fund secure Philippines. With eight machines, farmers usually spend every year for the rice farmers. stations across the country, its P30,000 for a 1-ha rice farm. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia programs and projects are in line Villar, RCEF is a six-year with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, With more savings from the government initiative to help the Mataas na Kita” battle cry. income from rental fees, the farmers compete in the farmer-group was also able to international rice market. The expand their Center as a local government units and venue for operations and lawmakers assist in its meetings. implementation.
16 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 UNP trains Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries on oyster mushroom cultivation, processing
By Jessy C. Domingo, Maritess R. Raboy, Marciana P. De Vera, and Bernardo Oliber Arde, University of Northern Philippines
o provide additional livelihood to Gawad Kalinga (GK) T beneficiaries, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is continuously conducting skills trainings on oyster mushroom cultivation and processing.
This was a continuation of an earlier training initiated by the University Research and Development Office, Mushroom Research and Development Center, and the University Extension Office. This activity aims to equip the participants with knowledge and skills along oyster mushroom bag cultivation and value-adding though food processing.
Twenty-six GK Kapitbahayan officers and members of Barangay San Sebastian, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, composed of 13 females and 13 males actively participated in the said trainings.
During the trainings, the participants were taught of the step- by-step procedures on the preparation of growing substrates from mixing, bagging, and Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries actively participate in the preparation of oyster mushroom sterilization/steaming. In addition, substrate (top photo) and processing (right photo). Photos courtesy of UNP basic skills on inoculation and Extension Office incubation were provided to them. To ensure the gaining popularity considering its As part of the training sustainability of the transferred economic benefits. This was outputs, each participant was technology, series of monitoring proven to alleviate poverty as it required to prepare and inoculate activities are being done by the provides sustainable source of three bags for observation of university to check for problems income to mushroom producers mycelial growth and development. such as contamination and pest and processors. As a result, there On the other hand, the training on infestation being encountered by is an increasing number of value adding gave the participants the recipients. interested mushroom growers the opportunity to prepare recipes and processors in the region who out of mushroom such as crispy The cultivation of want to engage themselves into mushroom and polvoron. mushroom in the Ilocos Region is this kind of agri-business.
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 17 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 F2F: A journey to cotton revitalization By Mildred Barroga, Claire Dacanay, Corazon Rosauro and Gloria Rosario, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu
Its been years since the Philippine cotton industry faced uncertainty due to pest infestation and low price of seed cotton produced in the market causing losses for the farmers. As an effect, the Philippines has been importing 5,660.83 MT of cotton yarn to satisfy the needs of the local loomweavers in the country.
The Fiber to Fabric (F2F) project was conceptualized to address the concern of the former Sen. Loren Legarda on the manufacture of fabrics out of locally produced fibers. It has an Cotton Development Specialists conducting field monitoring and inspection together with initial government support of 20M the farmers in Pinili, Ilocos Norte. Photographed by Mildred E. Barroga infused in PhilFIDA’s General cost of land preparation is also Appropriations Act fund. This The Philippine Fiber borne by the project. project focused on small scale Industry Development Authority stakeholders like cotton farmers, (PhilFIDA) Research Center I - Private individuals and the local loomweavers and knitters. Batac annually conducts area Local Government Unit (LGU) solicitation and validation from where the project is implemented We Seek farmers who are interested to plant cotton in Region I. also provide a counterpart in the Due to some economic provision of farm implements. and technical considerations, They produce, we assist there had been a decline in Seedcotton harvested from hectarage planted to cotton and all production areas are farmers’ participation. However, Production Support consolidated and a product due to the renewed interest of For every hectare integration budget is downloaded private groups and in support to committed by the farmer, a to the cooperative as payment. the Tropical Fibers Act, there is a support of Php17,500.00 – worth need to revitalize the industry. of agricultural inputs is provided Technical Assistance
at the start of the cropping Once farmers establish The project operates on a season to meet the needs in the their cotton farms, specialists conceptual framework that establishment and maintenance conduct weekly monitoring to integrates all participating entities of the production areas. Such assess the status of the crop and from government agencies and inputs include cotton seeds, provides technical the private sector. The fertilizers, pesticides, biological recommendations and follow-up. government provides production agents (Trichogramma), and jute Capability enhancement is assistance in cooperation with a sacks. Other farm implements provided in the form of trainings duly registered and accredited by like water pump, irrigation hose, on the Recommendation Cotton the Department of Agriculture and sprayers are loaned to the Production Technology (RCPT) to cooperative that manages the farmers so that operations are equip the farmers with the operation and implementation of implemented on time. Further, knowledge in managing the crop. the activities. See next page 18 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
yarn, 30x thinner than the original sliver. The end product is packaged as “cotton yarn” in cones via the Cone Winder.
The Finished Product
Cotton yarn is utilized by local loomweavers to make colorful and artistic Inabel products. These products are now gaining acknowledgements from local and international designers.
The Best is Yet to Come
The hopes for the full (R) A loomweaver from Pinili busy working on her Inabel, (L) an original design of Pinilian revitalization of Cotton Industry Inabel. Photographed by Mildred E. Barroga are still there, strong and unfading. The realization of the The Processing Ginning separates the lint from objectives of this project would the seeds. The lint starts its bring forth economic growth and The consolidated harvest journey towards the production of acceptance to the community. from all of the production areas yarn. The lint is fed to the Blow So, from this point forward, are handled by the Lumbaan Card to remove impurities and Philippines will no longer depend Weavers and Cotton Producers other debris and form a sliver. on imported cotton yarn cause Cooperative (LWCPC) which is in- The sliver undergoes series of the country can satisfy the needs charge of the Ilocos Cotton combination, blending, twisting of its loomweavers. Processing Center at Lumbaan- and stretching thru the Draw Bicbica, Pinili, Ilocos Norte. Frame and Flyer Frame. The “Continuous resulting product is a sliver 10x improvement is better than The harvested seed cotton thinner and fed to the Charka delayed perfection” – Mark is processed at the Center. that transforms the sliver to a Twain 37k schoolchildren to benefit from Milk Feeding program By Mari Joan Nefulda, Philippine Carabao Center
A total of 37,366 school Mariano Marcos State University pandemic as it is expected to children from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos (PCC at MMSU). boost their immune system. Sur and Abra are expected to Each beneficiary will be benefit from the School-based The DepEd Schools provided with 200 ml toned Feeding Program - Milk Feeding Division Office (SDO) which carabao’s milk for at least 20 Program Component (SBFP- partnered with PCC at MMSU feeding days. MFP) of the government for the through a Memorandum of first semester of 2021. Agreement for the In addition, it will also benefit the implementation of the milk dairy value chain players, Pursuant to Republic Act feeding program include the City especially the dairy farmers, as 11037 also known as of Batac, Laoag City, Vigan City, this program creates higher “Masustansiyang Pagkain para Candon City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos demand for locally produced sa Batang Pilipino Act”, the said Sur, and Abra. milk, providing them additional program will be implemented by source of income and the Department of Education The program will be sustainable livelihood. (DepEd) in partnership with the beneficial to undernourished Philippine Carabao Center at children specially in this time of
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 19 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DOST 1 awards P1.5M grant to bamboo producers By Laurine R. Sales, Department of Science and Technology-Ilocos Sur
he Department of Science increase efficiency of skewer assistance to the association and and Technology Regional production. assured the agency for the T Office 1 (DOST1) thru its success of the project. Provincial Science and Through this project, Technology Center – Ilocos Sur production capabilities of The project is in partnership (PSTC-IS) awarded skewer producers will be with the Local Government of San PhP1,562,000.00 grant to Lapog upgraded. Technical Juan, Ilocos Sur which, in turn, Harvester SLP Association for the assistance for local bamboo pledged counterpart on the procurement of bamboo producers will be provided construction of the production machineries in support to the resulting to employment building of the association. production of skewers in this town. generation and increased income. Also present during the During the awarding awarding are Hon. Cresensio G. ceremony of cheques in the Abad said, the Valle, Sangguninag Bayan barangay, Deputy Speaker association intends not only to Member who represented the Deogracias Victor B. Savellano produce bamboo sticks but Mayor Elaine A. Sarmiento, Brgy. said, “this project will be a great also to produce engineered Captain Martin P. Jimenez, Mrs. help for the skewer producers to bamboo products in the future. Analiza U. Vivit, President of the achieve sustainable production, He added that this project will Association, provincial staff of economic empowerment and not only boost the bamboo DOST, staff of the Congressional ultimately improve living condition industry in the community but District Representative, and other of local bamboo players.” He in the province as a whole. barangay officials of Barangay challenged them to produce Barbar. toothpick as an additional product Cong. Savellano lauded line. the DOST for spearheading the
The DOST-funded project is part of the congressional initiative of the congressman who is also the vice chair of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). This project aims to assist skewer producers in Barangay Barbar towards mechanizing their production.
Moreover, Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Officer -in- Charge of the PSTC-IS presented the different equipment to be procured by the project which include bamboo splitters, bamboo width and thickness slicer, stick length cutter, bamboo slicer and the stick (R-L) Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Officer-in-Charge of PSTC-Ilocos Sur together with Deputy Speacker polishing machine. These Cong. Deogracias Victor B. Savellano, awards the cheque to Mrs. Analiza U. Vivit, President of the Association and witnessed by Brgy. Captain Martin P. Jimenez and Hon. Crecensio G. Valle, production equipment will theSangguniang Bayan member of San Juan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by DOST R1.
20 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
Coop members trained on mango processing By Ms. Eliza Mae E. Fernandez, Department of Science and Technology-Ilocos Sur
(Left) Ms. Meryl A. Bernardino and Ms. Charissa M. De Vera together with GWAC members doing the second step of mango vinegar process. (Right) Mr. Felcris Dy together with GWAC members doing the cooking process of mango pastillas. Photos by DOST R1.
o standardize the process of served as lecturers. Ms. Meryl A. The training could serve as mango vinegar processing Bernardino, staff of the PSU-FIC, one solution to the oversupply of T and to introduce more mango Ms. Charissa M. De Vera, and Mr. mango produce. The food products product ideas, the Department of Felcris Z. Dy, faculty members of are not only preserved, but also Science and Technology Regional PSU- Bayambang Campus made healthier and of greater Office I (DOST-I) through its demonstrated and lectured in quality. With prolonged shelf-life, Provincial Science and Technology detail the methodologies and local food products are available Center in Pangasinan (PSTC- process in making mango fruit throughout the year and easier to Pangasinan) trained the members wine, mango fruit vinegar, and export. Thus, increasing income of the Golden West Agriculture mango pastillas. The basic and business opportunities for Cooperative (GWAC) on Mango principles of current Good medium and small scale enterprises Processing on June 23, 2021. Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) (MSMEs). and Food Processing Hygiene, The cooperative is a were also discussed. beneficiary of a Community-Based Project of the PSTC. During the Technology Needs Assessment and the recently conducted Food Safety Assessment to the organization, Training on Mango Processing, specifically on mango vinegar was recommended to standardize and further enhance their mango vinegar production. To maximize the use of the abundant resource of Indian mangoes in the area, they were trained also on how to process Mango Wine and Pastillas as an additional product line. Fifteen (15) GWAC members attended the said training.
Experts from the Pangasinan State University – Food and Ms. Eleonor Gay Cabusao, President of Golden West Agriculture Cooperative during Innovation Center (PSU-FIC) her welcome remarks. Photo by DOST R1.
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 21 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021 DA sec graces groundbreaking of ISPSC’s add’l agri facilities
By Ephraine Hyacinth Chavez, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
he Department of Agriculture (DA) has granted T 10 million worth of fund for the Artificial Insemination Center for Small Ruminants, Goat Multiplier Facility, and Poultry Multiplier Facility. The establishment of these facilities, when finished, will facilitate the provision of expert services to the local farmers and younger generations and encourage them to invest more on goat and layer productions. Agriculture Secretary Dr. William Dar, together with ISPSC President Dr. Gilbert Arce and other dignitaries, led the groundbreaking ceremony of three more DA-funded agricultural During the program, Dr. Dar facilities for ISPSC, May 29, 2021. Photo by ISPSC highlighted his vision in strengthening the capacity of that will receive 25,000 coconut surrounding municipalities. farmers even during the pandemic seedlings which are to be by providing necessary equipment, distributed before the year ends. Aside from the financial, and other forms of aids groundbreaking, Dr. Dar also to the farmers specially those Other highlights of the visited and inspected the DA- affected by the African Swine activity were the awarding and funded Innovation Center, Tissue Fever (ASF) virus. turnover of different farm Culture Laboratory, and Solar machinery and farm inputs to Irrigation System which have Furthermore, he tasked Dr. different associations and farmer already reached their completion Arce in identifying communities organizations in Sta. Maria and the since the groundbreaking in 2020. DOST-1 upgrades the drying facility of Costales Ricemill in Magsingal, IS By Laurine R. Sales, Department of Science and Technology-Ilocos Sur
he Department of Science These commodities could seven hours compared to their and Technology Region 1 be dried for 12-15 hours existing drying facilities with 12- T (DOST 1), through its depending on its moisture 16 hours drying time. Provincial Science and content. Technology Center - Ilocos Sur According to Provincial (PSTC-IS) conducted a test-run The mechanical dryer can S&T Director, Mr. Ramon S. of the newly acquired Hopper help decrease post-harvest Sumabat, Costales Ricemill is Type Mechanical Dryer provided losses of the firm by up to 30% or the first in the region to acquire under the Small Enterprises up to 1,200 cavans of palay due such intervention through DOST Technology Upgrading Program to increased drying recovery or SETUP. He also admired the (SETUP) to the Costales Ricemill lesser occurrence of firm for being responsible in their on May 27, 2021. deteriorated, discolored, and project with the DOST and germinated grains. appreciated its fully upgraded The 15-ton mechanical equipment and facilities. dryer is designed to be multi-crop During the test run, 6,693 suitable for both rice and corn. kilograms of palay was dried for See next page 22 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
Costales Ricemill is a licensed miller and dealer of the National Food Authority (NFA) and was awarded as the third placer in the NFA’s 2015 National Best Rice Processor/Miller in the country. The same year, the firm was awarded as the NFA’s Best Rice Processor/Miller in the region.
The SETUP targets to upgrade existing equipment and facilities of the micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide that could boost their products, services, and operations, thereby increasing their productivity and competitiveness.
The DOST PSTC-Ilocos Sur (Right) Mr. Ramon S. Sumabat, Provincial S&T Director spearheads the test run of the newly acquired mechanical dryer of Costales Ricemill owned by Mr. Francisco Costales could be reached at (center) and Mrs. Charito Costales (left). Photo by DOST-Ilocos Sur [email protected] or mobile numbers 0998-962-0231 Mr. Francisco A. Costales, Sur for giving them a chance in and 0998-962-0230, respectively Jr. and Mrs. Charito Costales, upgrading their drying facility. The for interested firms who want to owner of the Rice mill, expressed firm was initially assisted with a avail of the program. their sincerest gratitude to the color sorter machine during their DOST through the PSTC-Ilocos first availment of the SETUP.
RFD Rabang lauds BFAR-1 for ‘quality Service to fisherfolks
irector Rolando E. Rabang continue for them to succeed in hopes to learn from his lauded the Bureau of their endeavors. “That is what the knowledge and experiences as a D Fisheries and Aquatic people, particularly the fisherfolks fisherfolks. “The fisherfolks are Resources Region I for the need. There should be no gap not our clients or stakeholders, “quality service” that it is providing between the BFAR and the but our partners in pursuing the to the fisherfolks in the region fisherfolks, who should feel the aspirations of the fishery industry. during the culmination of the importance of what they are You will continue to be a partner Farmers and Fisherfolks Month on doing,” Rabang added. of the BFAR,” she said. June 7. Moreover, Rabang said he Rabang, served as the During his stint as the was enlightened and at the same chairperson of the Municipal Regional Fisherfolk Director time enjoyed the activities that he Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (RFD) from May 3-June 7, wanted to continue working with Management Council of Director Rabang said “I observed the BFAR even if he is no longer Bacnotan, La Union. He led his the kind of service that BFAR the RFD. BFAR I Officer in fellow fisherfolks towards Regional Office is giving, there is Charge Regional Director Rosario empowerment and improvement quality in what you do especially Segundina P. Gaerlan expressed of the fisheries sector of the for the least fortunate fisherfolks”. her appreciation to Rabang who region. - BFAR Uno actively participated in BFAR’s He expressed his hopes that programs and projects. She said the cordial relationship between Rabang will remain as a partner the BFAR and the fisherfolks will of the BFAR, as the agency Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 23 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
MMSU faculty win award in nat’l S&T tilt By Niña Christelle M. Sumintac, Mariano Marcos State University
wo faculty of the MMSU Their research poster Grande of the College of Aquatic College of Teacher garnered the most number of Sciences and Applied T Education (CTE) bagged combined comments and shares Technology. the engagement award in the (totaling to 1,946) among the digital scientific poster session other 16 entries from the Themed “COVID-19 during the virtual Luzon Regional Regions I, III, IV-A, Cordillera Pandemic: Learning from the Scientific Meeting (RSM) Administrative Region, National Past, Coping with the Present, organized by the National Capital Region; and Mimaropa. Moving to the Next,” the NAST Academy of Science and accommodated various scientific Technology (NAST) last May 11- Besides their poster, two posters via open submission call 12. other national qualifiers from and selected the official entries MMSU are Limon’s “Food based on three criteria: scientific Dr. Mark R. Limon and Safety Practices of Food merit (60%), relevance to the Prof. John Paul C. Vallente won Handlers at Home Engaged in theme (20%), and poster the special award for their Online Food Businesses during effectivity (20%). scientific poster on “General COVID-19 pandemic in the Public’s Knowledge and Self- Philippines”; and the “Evaluation The NAST is a DOST- Reported Practices on the of Fish Offal Meal (FOM) and attached agency that serves as Disposal of Surgical Masks Duckweed Meal as Potential the country's premier recognition during COVID-19 Pandemic in Alternative Protein Sources in and advisory body on science the Philippines.” Nile Tilapia Diets” by professors and technology. Jerome Binarao and Veronica
The scientific poster of Dr. Mark R. Limon and Prof. John Paul C. Vallente, faculty of MMSU College of Teacher Education, win the Engagement Award in the digital scientific poster session of the virtual Luzon Regional Scientific Meeting organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology. Photo by MMSU StratCom
24 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
Celebrating Life, Recollecting Noteworthy Accomplishments: A tribute to Dr. EA Anit on her retirement and 65th birthday
By Lord Ian R. Galano
Energetic, Dedicated, As an expert in plant consortium’s planned programs, Nice, and Appreciative. physiology/botany, plant projects, and activities. pathology, and crop production That is how people describe and management, she led in the With the guidance and Dr. Edna A. Anit, the outgoing conduct of various studies on support of Dr. Anit and her team Director of the Crops Research banana, tomato and other crops. to the consortium in crafting Division (CRD) of the Philippine Her expertise opened more research proposals, two projects Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, opportunities for her to enhance were granted by PCAARRD this and Natural Resources Research and share knowledge through year. These include “National and Development (PCAARRD). participation in conferences and Garlic and Agri-food Condiments trainings here and abroad to R&D Center” and “Bio-Intensive Boss Ed, Ate or Tita Ed, as serve as speaker, panelist, Gardening (BIG)-Panlaban sa she is fondly called at discussant, and evaluator. COVID-19 para sa Ilocos,” with a PCAARRD, started her career in total funding support of PhP 35.5- 1978 at the University of the Dr. Anit served as the M and PhP 1-M, respectively. Philippines (UPLB) as Research alternate representative of These projects are being Assistant and became a PCAARRD to the Regional implemented by the Mariano University Research Associate in Research and Development Marcos State University (MMSU). 1983. Coordinating Council (RRDCC) of the Ilocos Agriculture, On May 12, 2021, She transferred to Aquatic, and Natural Resources ILAARRDEC family, joined Dr. PCAARRD in 1987, jumping from Research and Development Anit in celebrating 65 years of one position to another until she Consortium (ILAARRDEC) from fruitful life, most of which have became the Director of CRD. Just February 2019 to March 2021. been dedicated in government a year after she started her The consortium is fortunate service. career at PCAARRD, Dr. Anit enough to have her as the was awarded as the Most representative of PCAARRD to Outstanding Junior Staff due to the RRDCC. Her brilliant ideas her excellent performance and have contributed much to the dedication to her work.
“Boss Ed is a workaholic and dedicated public servant. She usually arrives early in the office and finishes her lined-up work until evening.” – Ms. Sharie Al-faiha Lubang, one of her staff at CRD-PCAARRD testified.
Dr. Anit was also a recipient of various scholarship grants to include, National Food and Agriculture Council (NFAC) Scholar and PCAARRD Scholar.
Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium 25 ILAARRDEC Vol. 33 No. 2, April-June 2021
Outgoing ILAARRDEC TWG Representatives
DR. JOVITA M. DATUIN DR. MELINDA F. MANGABAT Department of Agriculture-Region I Agricultural Training Institute Regional R&D Group Representative Regional Techno-Transfer Group Representative
MS. PARTICIA A. INOCENTE National Tobacco Administration Regional Knowledge Management Group Representative
We would also like to recognize the three outgoing Technical Working Group (TWG) representatives. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise, and resources in the different programs, projects, and activities of the consortium. Your active involvement and full-support to the consortium have contributed much in the attainment of the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the consortium. Enjoy your retirement and may God always bless you always!
- From your ILAARRDEC family
26 Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, & Natural Resources Research & Development Consortium
Responsive regional hub in agriculture, aquatic resources, and environment for resilient, creative, innovative Ilocandia.
ILAARRDEC is mandated to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of regional R&D activities; provide direction for consortium-led programs, and serve as an avenue for resource sharing among R&D agencies for the development of ANNR in the region. ILAARRDEC Reporter April-June 2021
Published by the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium with headquarters and editorial office located in the main campus of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte.
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor LOVE GRACE D. CAMPANO
Editorial Assistants ARIS REYNOLD V. CAJIGAL SHERLYN B. NICOLAS MARY ANNE R. BRUNO ARIANNE JOY D. TABANGAY
Writer, Graphics, and Layout Artist LORD IAN R. GALANO
Editorial Consultants EPIFANIA O. AGUSTIN SHIRLEY C. AGRUPIS