ILOCOS FOOD products took a big leap as the MMSU Food Innovation Center was launched, Sept. 3, with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo as guest of honor.

Located at the Phase II of the Science and Technology Park, the center is a one-stop food research and development center that aims to improve the province’s local food products in order to reach a sizeable share of the local and national markets.  Also a venue for trainings, food testing laboratories, and consultancy services, the FIC is envisioned to help transform Ilocos Norte into a food processing haven.

The facility houses equipment donated by DOST and the National Economic Development Authority-Development Bank of the Philippines’ (NEDA-DBP) Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund (IGLF). The Department of Trade and Industry will also deliver equipment for the shared facility at the end of this month.

The DOST donated the following equipment: spray dyer, retort packaging machine, and vacuum fryer. The NEDA-DBP IGLF, on the other hand, provided the liquid and solid packaging machines, a vacuum sealer, and a refrigerated van that hauls the food items to be packed.

The spray dryer is used in converting liquid raw materials into powder form, while the vacuum fryer is for drying ready-to-eat food products such as chichacorn. The water retort shall be utilized in heat-treating food products in suitable containers such as tin cans.

This hub of food innovations was the brainchild of former DOST-1 Regional Director Elsa Chan and was implemented in 2013 by Sec. Montejo. It is part of the P2.3 million allocated budget for all FICs in Region 1. Contruction of the facility commenced in October 2014 under the presidency of Dr. Miriam E. Pascua.
    
DOST-1 Regional Director Armand Ganal said the FIC will make innovative technologies, relevant support services, technical expertise, and necessary structures and facilities more accessible for small-scale enterprises in the region. This, he said, will lead to more effective technology application, transfer, and commercialization of new food technologies in view of sustained economic growth and productivity.

With state-of-the-art machines and equipment, Ganal said the FIC will standardize local processing technologies so that “we can establish quality standard for products developed in Region 1, enabling us to improve marketability and comply with standards and regulations in both domestic and foreign markets.”

Meanwhile, Secretary Montejo said the establishment of the FIC in MMSU will help the university harness the creativity of small-scale entrepreneurs to produce new innovative products. He said the DOST is now helping small-scale entrepreneurs in the region in order to produce some 2,000 new food products.

“Since the region is very rich in bio-diversity, we can work together to harness these God-given blessings and entice global companies to partner with us,” he said. To accomplish these, the DOST secretary added, “we can start by harnessing the mature technologies of MMSU in line with agriculture and food product researches.

Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, MMSU officer-in-charge, thanked DOST, DTI, and NEDA for the equipment that will allow the university to improve its food products generated through research.  “Innovations will help us level up and be at par with our ASEAN neighbors,” she enthused.   

The event was also attended by LGU officials of the Province of Ilocos Norte and the City of Batac, personnel from the regional office, as well as their assisted micro, small, and medium enterprises. A press conference with members of the national and local media followed the launch. Lunch was served at the Wen Café. (By Herdy La. Yumul and Reynaldo E. Andres)