Showcasing its technologies and products, MMSU joins the 14^th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last August 30 to September 2, 2018.

The 14^th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition is a national convergence of research institutions, national government agencies and organizations, and private companies working together towards sustainable agriculture and fisheries in the country. The activity is part of the 31^st founding celebration of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), a staff bureau of the Department of Agriculture (DA) established to lead and coordinate the agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D) in the country under its National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP), one of the two banner programs of the bureau.

With the University being a prime research institution in the North, the MMSU booth, through the Extension Directorate’s Information and Technology Caravan (ITC), showcased its BAR-funded project products on mango value-adding to include mango juice, mango puree, mango jam, and mango tamarind candy; products of the Food Innovation Center (FIC) such as bugnay juice and candy, dragon fruit juice and jam, along with the camangeg-based snacks of the Research Directorate such as pacensia, lenggua de cerda, and choco-chip cookies; bamboo products such as collector’s bamboo car, tissue holders, pot and flower holders, and others, showcasing the one-node and pole per year (PoPeYe) technologies of the University; and products of assisted entrepreneurs such as SCUFYND’s rice coffee, soybean coffee, wild honey, and turmeric powder, and Lucky Theo’s banana, kamote, and taro chips, and garlic bulbs.  Exhibitors of the MMSU ITC include Mr. Richard Guinsatao and Ms. Kimberly Miguel of the Extension Directorate, Ms. Christine Quiapo of the Research Directorate, and Ms. Jennifer Cabuyadao of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development.

Themed “Agripreneurship: Mainstreaming Agriculture and Fisheries R&D by Delivering Technology Breakthroughs to Farmers and Fisherfolk”, the 14^th NTCP again focuses on showcasing research and development breakthroughs in different agricultural commodities to encourage farmers, fishers, and ruralfolks transform their products into business ventures. The activity is also instrumental in the promotion and upscaling of products developed by research institutions and private organizations for full market opportunities and development of agriculture and fisheries-related industries.

Visitors of the booth expressed their commendation to the bamboo products exhibited in the booth that reflects the creativity of the Ilokanoes. Bamboo products were also well-applauded by visitors from the Visayas and Mindanao regions, gathering IEC materials on bamboo propagation and on seaweed farming and processing. Young and old visitors also commended the dragon fruit juice, bugnay juice, and mango juice that are truly healthy for the body. Mango and tamarind seedlings were also sought by exhibitors and visitors such that they are interested to try the outstanding mango varieties grown in MMSU.

Convening the different DA and BFAR regional offices, cooperatives and private organizations, and state universities and colleges (SUCs), a series of seminar and product demonstrations were also lined during the four-day activity. The second day, August 31, highlighted presentations for the financial viability of 1) Processing of Nipa Palm Sugar by Mr. Antonio Peralta of the Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao, Inc.; 2) Batuan Value-added Products through Dr. Erlinda Dizon and Mr. Reifrey Lascana of UPLB, 3) Mushroom Products through Mr. Salvo Salvacion of SLSU-Lucban, Quezon, 4) Coffee processing Technologies through Dr. Helen Martinez of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, 5) Cacao Production and Developed Products through Dr. Mylene Corpuz of Isabela S.U., 6) Queen Pineapple Products through Mr. Mario Espeso of Labo Progressive Multipurpose Cooperative, 7) Mangifera Liqueur through Ms. Geraldine Gantioqe of CLSU, 8) Abaca Products through Dr. Feliciano Sinon of Visayas S.U., and 9) Innovative Products form Corn through Ms. Roise Mary Aquino of DA-RFO2. The third day was dedicated to seminar series and product demonstration of livestock and fisheries, and crops and other studies highlighting 1) Innovative Chevon-based Products through Ms. Alma de Leon of CLSU, 2) Corn Silage Production for Dairy Cattle by Dr. Nilo Padilla of Isabela S.U., 3) Commercial production of Native Chicken for Dressed/Market by Dr. Jaime Cabarles of Central Philippine University, 4) Development in Plant Proteins: Production of Meat Analaog using Textured Protein form Full-fat Soy Flour by Mr. Floirendo Flores of UPLB, 5) Soybean Value-adding Processing Technologies by Ms. Cerafina de Guzman of Golden Beans and Grains Coop.; 6) Guyabano Product Development by Mr. Dennis Bihis of DA-RFO5, 7) Application of Algal Paste Technology in Aquaculture by Dr. Soledad Garibay of UP-Visayas, and 8) Microbial Inoculant for Pest and Diseases by Dr. Virginia Cuevas of UPLB.

Edible landscaping through the Millennial Ambassador, Kyle Echarri, was also a highlight of the activity as a campaign that combines agriculture and green architecture to attract the youth into agriculture. The new BAR primer video was also launched to mark updates on the programs and activities of the bureau and its partners in research and development activities.

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