To attest to its good impacts, winners of the 1st National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibit (NAFTE)’s innovative products rallied research for development (R4D) implementing agencies to participate in the second National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition during the second installment of the bureau’s Research Talks (RT) on 5 April 2024 via the DA-BAR official facebook page.
“Sa aking mga kapwa innovators, developers, at researchers, NAFTE is the right venue kung saan ‘yong mga na-develop natin na mga technologies ay ma-i-paabot natin sa ating mga clients o end users,” Cayetano Pomares, winner of Most Innovative Non-food Product and project leader of a DA-SOCCSKSARGEN-led project, said.
Titled Reintroducing NAFTE, the panel discussion delved into the prime essence of technology exhibition to DA-BAR, being the DA’s research arm, and to research-implementing agencies such as DA regional field offices and state universities and colleges; history and changes in the program since its onset on 2007; and best practices and recommendations to future exhibitors.
“After the NAFTE, maraming agad nag-inquire kung saan mabibili ‘yong vacuum-fried chips na product namin. Marami ring nagtatanong tungkol sa teknolohiya na ginamit namin to come up with the product,” Jaojao Somyden, winner of Most Innovative Food product and project leader of Benguet State University-led project.
Pomares and Somyden were the successful implementers of DA-BAR-supported projects on organic complete ration mix for dairy goat and market assessment and development of vacuum-fried chopsuey chips.
DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano underscored that the technology exhibition or NAFTE serves as an avenue in disseminating research results and opportunities to farmers and other R4D stakeholders; strengthens partnership and collaboration among stakeholders locally and internationally; and convenes researchers across DA regional field offices and state universities and colleges as well as chief executives, policymakers, and leaders in the country.
“Sa aking kapwa researchers, there are many ways in disseminating our research results. Let’s participate in the upcoming NAFTE and show our support to DA-BAR in disseminating the technologies para matulungan po natin ang ating mga farmers at fisherfolk,” Somyden said.
Soriano excites R4D partners for the upcoming 2nd NAFTE with its new activities and programs. “Samahan po ninyo kami sa mas pinaghandaan na NAFTE ngayong taon. Abangan ninyo ang ilang mga bagong activities na tiyak na magugustuhan ninyo,” he mentioned.