To assess the progress and ensure timely implementation of the bureau-supported project titled, Expanding the Operation of DA-BAR Technology Business Incubation Program of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research assistant director Joell H. Lales together with technical staff and program focal persons conducted a two-day project site visit and monitoring on 25-26 April 2024 in Magalang, Pampanga.
Sibul TBI director Walter L. Pacunana and project staff Maricel B. Ramos presented the Year 1 accomplishments of the PSAU-SIBUL TBI as well as the financial viabilities of the enrolled incubatees.
As discussed by the project team, the incubation period takes years and it does not stop after the provision of training. Aside from creating a module for the incubatees, PSAU-SIBUL TBI provides weekly coaching where they do site visits to the incubatees to assist them on accounting, and record management, among others. The TBI continuously seeks updates on the incubatees' livelihood, conducts regular visits, and informs them on the available services the TBI network provides, such as livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry.
AD Lales provided his recommendations to improve the program’s operation while ensuring that the project sustains to respond to the needs of its stakeholders.
AD Lales and the team conducted a site visit to one of the PSAU-SIBUL TBI’s incubatee, the REACH’s Integrated Farm in Magalang, Pampanga. The latter promotes sustainable agri-fishery farming, provides quality and affordable produce, and provides technical consultation to its clients.
REACH's Integrated Farm was established through the technical assistance of PSAU-SIBUL TBI and through the financial grant of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program of the DA. PSAU-TBI supported the incubatee in developing its business model canvas, costing, and logo, which are requirements to be considered in the YFC. The TBI also assisted in the promotion, market linkage, and digital marketing of the produce.
REACH's Integrated Farm adopted the hatchery production protocol of African catfish. The incubatee focuses on breeding fish, emphasizing the profitability of fry compared to fingerlings due to lower maintenance costs. The package of technology also includes the conditioning of breeders, which significantly contributes to the sustainability of their business.
The incubatee is also currently in the product development stage of male catfish meat-based products. They are being assisted by PSAU-TBI in various analyses of processed products to ensure their quality and marketability.
As part of their commitment to give back to the community, given that REACH's Integrated Farm are beneficiaries of various support, they have low selling price compared to other hatcheries. AD Lales also suggested exploring the possibility of making the farm an ATI learning site.
DA-BAR team also visited other projects, such as the goat and chicken project using locally available materials as feedstuff and the project on free-range chicken production technology.
Also, in a courtesy meeting with PSAU president Anita G. David, several important points were discussed highlighting key areas of interest and potential collaboration, with emphasis on harmonizing efforts among local government units and various government agencies, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology, in achieving sustainable development goals.