TWO agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have forged a partnership to promote aquaculture technologies.
They are the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
To implement the objectives of their partnership, TAPI headed by Director Edgar I. Garcia conducted its 3rd Technology Demonstration and Forum on December 10 at the Subic Bay Travelers’ Hotel, Zambales.
The technology demonstration and forum focused on aquaculture technologies to drive technological innovation on the practical needs of the aquaculture industries in Region III.
Region III, or Central Luzon, is comprised of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, and their cities, such as Balanga City, Malolos City, Meycauayan City, San Jose del Monte City, Cabanatuan City, Gapan City, Muñoz City, Palayan City, Angeles City, Mabalacat City, San Fernando City, Tarlac City, Olongapo City, and San Jose City.
In the picture are the participants — in what editors say is a ‘firing squad’ pose — of the DOST-TAPI technology demo in Subic, Zambales. (Photo: TAPI)
TAPI, PCAARRD focus on AANR technologies
Promoting research outputs in the regions is one of DOST-TAPI’s commitment to the project in partnership with the PCAARRD dubbed as, “Enhancing the Promotion of Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Technologies through Complementary Platforms”.
Dr. Kevin Yaptenco of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Dr. Mary Beth Maningas of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Dr. Erwin Enriquez of Ateneo de Manila University AdMU), and Ernesto Del Rosario of Cagayan State University CSU) introduced the practical applications of the technologies in “Drying and Processing Technology for Sea Cucumber,” “Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Kit,” “Biosensor Kit,” and “Automatic Bottom Feeder,” respectively.
The speakers, who are experts on technology research, wished to use the wisdom of university-developed technologies through the help of DOST-PCAARRD’s assistance, not only to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) but also to improve existing production and create new enterprises.
The featured AANR technologies are research outputs of DOST-PCAARRD-funded technologies in line with its regional research and development consortia.
“It requires technology and innovation to improve production systems of the MSMEs,” said Eilleen S. Fernando, project leader of DOST-PCAARRD’s Promotion of AANR Technologies.
“Also, it takes more collaborative efforts with our stakeholders to effectively promote DOST-developed AANR technologies in the countryside,” she added.
TAPI held the first and the second series of technology demonstration and forum in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija for agriculture, alternative farming, and rice technologies earlier in 2018.
DOST Region III headed by Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat and the Provincial Science and Technology directors and staff assisted in the conduct of the event.
The next technology demonstration and forum which focuses on cacao processing technologies will be held in Cebu in February 2019. (TAPI)