By Crisdeniele Clemente

Advancing its support for the black garlic value chain in the Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled a range of new equipment designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of black garlic farming.

In a launching ceremony held at MMSU Crop Research Laboratory on June 20, Dr. Dionisio Bucao, director for research, innovation, and technology, highlighted that the new equipment will streamline the harvesting process of MMSU black garlic and boost the economic potential and global competitiveness of the Philippine black garlic industry. The university`s black garlic is recognized for its health benefits and rising demand in local and international markets.

The equipment comprises a tractor, sprinklers, water pumps, motor-driven sprayers, preparation tables, push carts, food sealers, black garlic racks, and a tractor-trailer. Demonstrations of these tools were conducted during the event.

Mr. Soichi Taiki, JICA consultant, enthused that the equipment is set to revolutionize how black garlic is cultivated and processed. Mr. Taiki also led the turnover of the symbolic key for the harvest equipment.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, duly represented by MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Fe Franco, emphasized the university’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into local farming practices for black garlic. “This collaboration with JICA shows our dedication to supporting the black garlic value chain in the country. The harvest machine optimizes the black garlic production and empowers our local farmers to compete in the global market", she said.

Dr. Marilou Lucas, MMSU director for extension; Ms Noralyn Legaspi, chief for garlic research center; university officials and researchers; and black garlic farmers also attended the ceremony.

The equipment acquired is part of the "SDG Business Verification Survey with the Private Sector for the Value Chain of Black Garlic in the Philippines" project, carried out by MMSU and Takara Inc. In April 2023, JICA, MMSU, and Takara Inc. solidified their collaborative commitment by signing the Minutes of the Meeting for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Business Verification Survey with the Private Sector, with signatures from Dr. Agrupis, JICA Philippines Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, and Takara Inc. President Takarada Kimio.

In February this year, MMSU and Takara Inc. extended their partnership to further promote black garlic production and enhance the value chain in Ilocos Norte. The MMSU Black Garlic, commercialized by BauerTek, won the Gold Award (Pharma Category) and a Special International Award at the E-NNOVATE International Invention & Innovation Summit, held from May 16-18, 2024, in Krakow, Poland.