NLuzon State Us products in DoST top 10 innovation prototypes

THREE products of state universities in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Pangasinan provinces were among the top 10 innovation product prototypes launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in partnership with the Industrial Technology Development Institute.

According to the DoST, these were Chica Matis (Tomato Chicharon) of Cagayan State University (CSU); ToMango (Tomato and Mango) Juice of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) along with their Mango Choco Powder Mix, Mango-Kamangeg Sinigang Mix and Tomato-Mango Ketchup, Hayahay Lamb Tomato Sauce of Hayahay AC Farm in Bulacan and the Squashious Pesto; and Tomato Salsa of Pangasinan State University (PSU).

Engr. Sancho Mabborang, DoST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, said the agency officially launched these top 10 product prototypes developed by the Regional Food Innovation Centers (FIC) in the North Luzon Cluster at Robinson Starmills, San Fernando Pampanga on June 4.

"These products being launched were results of successful research and development initiatives conducted by FICs together with DoST regional offices and the academe," Mabborang said.

He said the launching which was initiated by the FIC Marketing Academy aims to help food innovators improve their product marketability and to increase Filipino's awareness of locally-developed and government-funded technologies.

"We are on the same road walking for a brighter future. Just what I always say, cooperation, complementation and collaboration rather than competition. No region should be left behind," Mabborang said in his inspirational message during the launching.

Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, DoST Region 3 director, welcomed everyone and highlighted in his message the importance of partnership with mobilizing agencies and micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs to create food products out of the most unusual raw materials available during food shortage.

Dr. Zorayda Ang, FIC Academy deputy director and program manager, expressed thanks and acknowledged the efforts and support she received from DoST and other supporting institutions.

According to the DoST, the FIC North Luzon Cluster winners will proceed to the National Market Launch which will be held at U Town Center in Quezon City on June 25.

The said event was attended by marketing experts of UP Diliman Professors Dave Centeno and Dr. Rhey Daway; and Benguet State University President Dr. Felipe Comila.

Also in the event were DoST regional directors Dr. Nancy Bantog, Dr. Armando Ganal represented by his staff, and Virginia Bilgera represented by DoST Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTC) Batanes provincial director and Cluster A head Nora Garcia, DoST PSTC Cagayan provincial director Sylvia Lacambra, DoST PSTC Quirino provincial director Rocela Angela Gorospe, technology adopters, among others.

Source: TheManila Times