Research products featured in MMSU techno showcase

By Kimberly S. Miguel, StratCom Correspondent

 

Various innovative agricultural and aquatic technologies and products are being displayed at the Mariano Marcos State University Teatro Ilocandia with the opening of the Technology Showcase and Farmers’ Forum today, January 20. 

 

With the theme “Advancing Innovation and Technopreneurship in the Ilocos Region,” the event aims to promote innovation in the agri-aqua industry and adoption of technologies and products. It will run until Jan. 25.

 

The four-day technology showcase highlights different exhibits of state universities and colleges in Region I; the MMSU-assisted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ilocos Norte; and five research and development institutions. 

 

MMSU is displaying its food products such as the black garlic’s furikake, ice cream, and sauce; freeze dried Ilocos garlic; tomango ketchup and juice; mango choco powder mix; mango sinigang mix with kamangeg; sandcooked peanut; kamangeg pacencia; and pickled egg. Also included are its baked agricultural products such as solamea, banana muffin, bibingcao, kamangeg cookies, and caramel bars. 

 

Other groups joining the techno showcase are the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, North Luzon Philippines State College, Pangasinan State University, University of Northern Philippines, Bureau of Food and Aquatic Resources, National Tobacco Administration, Philippine Carabao Center, Philippine Fiber Development Authority, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute. 

 

Participating MSMEs also include Taguipuro Paoay Lake Resort, Wawagi Food Products, Bersalona Fruit Food Products Processing, Masagana Eco Farms, and Vea Eco Farms. 

 

Dr. Dionisio Bucao, MMSU Science and Technology Park director, said the activity also serves as an avenue for establishing networks with stakeholders toward nurturing the agri-aqua innovation culture in the region.

 

“We expect that this activity will engage thousands of farmers, and members of the academic community, research institutions, provincial and local government units,” Bucao added.  

 

University President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized that “through technology commercialization, we will build and fortify local and regional economies.” The events are a part of the MMSU 45th Foundation Anniversary celebration, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to commercialize developed technologies. 

 

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., Department of Agriculture Region I OIC Technical Director Dennis Tactac, and Land Bank of the Philippines - Ilocos Norte Lending Center Head Jesus Alegre, Jr. presented initiatives that support innovation and technopreneurship. 

 

Also present in the event were DOST Regional Director Armando Ganal, and Ilocos Norte Board Member Jonathan Torralba, who represented Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos. Other guests include the local officials, municipal and city agricultural office representatives, and farmers’ associations in the province. 

 

The techno showcase will continue with the following activities: talk show on the challenges and victories of an entrepreneur on Jan. 23; training on good manufacturing practices, food safety and handling, and cooking demonstration on Jan. 24; and pitch competition on Jan. 25. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)

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