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May 13, 2024

ADePt-TBI pre-incubation training program concludes with tech pitch showcase

As part of its annual application process, the Agribusiness and Developed Processed Products- Technology Business Incubator (ADePt-TBI) culminated this year’s Pre-Incubation Training Series (PITS) for Cohort 3 applicants on 13-15 May 2024 through a Technology Pitching session to showcase the applicants’ innovative ways to utilize and commercialize DA-Cagayan Valley’s food processing technologies. The three-day activity intended to capacitate the applicants in understanding and applying the foundations of an incubated agribusiness startup endeavor, resulting in a defined business model and the capacity to communicate effectively their business idea.   The first day of the training focused on providing participants with a foundational understanding of the incubation process and the entrepreneurial mindset through sessions covering Incubator 101, Entrepreneurial Mind Setting, Tech Transfer 101, and Tech. Pitch 101.Following this, participants were introduced to Design Thinking and the Business Model Canvas to foster a human-centered approach to problem-solving and help participants develop a comprehensive framework for their business models.Culminating the training was the technology pitching session, allowing participants to showcase their innovative ideas, demonstrate how they could leverage DA-Cagayan Valley’s food processing technologies, and receive feedback from experts and peers. The following groups presented their business model canvases and product prototypes:Timpuyog Iti Babbalasang Idi Kalman Association pitched the utilization of mushroom powder to create instant vegetarian noodles that provide a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional instant noodles. Meanwhile, David's Agribusiness presented their integration of the Mushroom Kropek technology into their existing production of mushroom processed products, expanding their product line and catering to the growing demand for healthy snack options. Also, Exponent Credit Cooperative pitched their plans for the mushroom seasoning to be commercialized by their members engaged in mushroom processing.Utilizing the region’s gourmix, Nueva Vizcaya Cacao Growers Association Inc. presented a prototype to create a ready-to-eat chocolate porridge infused with vegetables, offering a nutritious and delicious option for consumers. Fredelina's Food Products delivered a compelling pitch for the market positioning of Cafe Bagga and Maize Silky Sip, highlighting their potential to appeal to health-conscious consumers and drive demand for OPV and glutinous corn. Further, San Mariano Farmers Agriculture Cooperative and Abet's Duck Farm presented their plans for the commercialization of Patochon, a duck-based product, in Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya, respectively, aiming to tap into the potential of the local duck industry and meet consumer demand for innovative and sustainable food products.Conversely, there were also applicants who presented their own technologies. Better Bater Quail Farm shared their innovative approach to adding value to quail eggs. Sheng Aquaculture and Fattened Mud Crab Farming proposed a solution to help mud crab farmers increase the value of their mature crabs. Also, Tres Canis Pet Supplies pitched their rabbit meat processing technologies, showcasing the potential for value-added rabbit meat products to erase the stigma against rabbit meat consumption and exploring new markets for protein sources.The Cohort 3 applicants will be evaluated based on their business model canvases, technology readiness, and technology pitches. Those selected will be invited to join ADePt-TBI's incubation program, where they will receive further support and resources to develop their businesses and bring their innovative ideas to market.Prior to the event, 12 incubatees successfully completed their basic and advanced incubation programs under the ADePt-TBI. Their achievements were recognized during the moving up and graduation ceremonies held in Gamu, Isabela. The 4 advanced incubation graduates adopted the following technologies: PakGulay vegetable processing; integrated farming; Neeruma peanut processing; and Café Bagga, Panderise, and soy processing. While, the 8 basic incubation completers adopted the greenhouse technology, herb production, duck meat processing, off-season onion production, mushroom production and processing, fish processing, adlay processing, and tomato processing.DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Program Development Division head Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera graced the activity. Funded by the DA-BAR in 2021, the ADePt-TBI Program of the DA-Cagayan Valley was the first DA-based technology business incubator in the country. It aims to provide an enabling environment for their incubatees to be adept in the operations of their technology-based agribusinesses through its incubator services, while supporting and promoting DA-Cagayan Valley-developed innovative agriculture technologies.

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May 07, 2024

Pilot regional field offices presented positive results of 2024 SCALE-UP program implementation

Project leaders and members from the pilot implementing DA-Regional Field Offices recently highlighted their achievements in the Sustainable Community-based Action Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE-UP) program during the National Review and Planning Workshop on 7-10 May 2024 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.The primary goal of the SCALE-UP program is to increase both yield and income by 15%. Notably, DA-Eastern Visayas and DA-Zamboanga Peninsula surpassed this target with an average 23% increase in yield and a 62% rise in net income. Meanwhile, DA-CALABARZON shared inspiring stories from farmer beneficiaries who reported significant yield improvements, and DA-Ilocos Region showcased the success of their Climate Resilient Farm Business School (CRFBS) in enhancing the knowledge and skills of farmers.DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) officials and SCALE-UP program focals shared their observations and recommendations based on their monitoring and evaluation activities. The accomplishments were presented across four key objectives of SCALE-UP, covering program management structure and policies; productivity enhancement and natural resource management towards sustainable farming; capability building and community empowerment; and sustainable livelihood, marketing and income enhancement.Based on the results and observations, DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano committed to strengthening the program by inviting stakeholders and sharing the program's outcomes to enhance support for both the program itself and research as a whole. As a kick-off to this initiative, the SCALE-UP program team has invited former senior scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and sustainable agriculture expert, Dr. Suhas P. Wani, to provide technical guidance and expertise that will further enrich the discussions and strategies for the implementation of the SCALE-UP program moving forward. During the national review and planning workshop, Dr. Wani likewise discussed the challenges and perspectives regarding ensuring food security in the Philippines through an integrated scale-up approach.Assistant director Joell H. Lales highlighted the program's potential to set a benchmark for agricultural research for development. The experiences and successes discussed during the workshop will serve as valuable insights for other partners and agencies to improve farmers' livelihoods and productivity.

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Apr 17, 2024

Self-Care for overall well-being highlighted in wellness seminar for BAR staff

To raise awareness among employees about the importance of self-care for overall well-being, the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research engaged in a three-day team-building activity on 17-19 April 2024 in Antipolo, Rizal. With the theme Ako Naman Muna, the event was attended by all employees of the office, with both physical and virtual participants.Kurt Christian Arcangel, licensed psychologist and psychometrician, served as the resource person for the seminar-workshop on self-care in the workplace. Understanding the significance of self-care as well as its long term effects on the employees, Mr. Arcangel shared some techniques and tools for stress management, relaxation, and burnout to equip the personnel in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Self-care isn't just about indulging in occasional treats or taking time off; it's a proactive approach to maintaining one's physical, emotional, and psychological health, he added. He further emphasized that employees who practice self-care are likely to experience reduced stress levels, increased resilience, and improved overall job satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to higher productivity, lower rates of absenteeism, and greater employee retention for the organization. In his message, DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano said, “The activity underscores 5R, which stands for reflect, reconnect, reconciliation, refresh, and regenerate, emphasizing that the three-day activity could result in more progressive growth and development of all the employees.” Likewise, he encouraged the employees to reflect– which suggests taking time to introspect and evaluate one's actions, experiences, and personal growth. He furthered reconnection to strengthen connections, both within the workplace and with oneself; reiterated that building meaningful relationships with colleagues fosters teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging; and suggested revitalization and renewal, to take breaks, engage in leisure activities, or pursue hobbies outside of work which promotes work-life balance and prevents burnout.In a nutshell, the seminar-workshop is a manifestation that a refreshed mind is more creative, focused, and productive, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization. It provided a fresh perspective on opportunities for skills development, training, and personal growth initiatives that enable employees to evolve professionally and contribute more effectively to organizational objectives are just some of the many things that enhance one’s development. An annual employee wellness activity spearheaded by the Human Resource Management Unit, this year’s team building consisted of various games and engaging activities that were anchored to the overall theme of promoting self-care in the workplace. DAThis was participated in by the employees of the bureau, alongside the culmination of this year’s sportsfest festivities, which was facilitated by the Association of BAR Employees (ABARE).

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May 07, 2024

BAR grant expands BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ; vermicomposting services to operate

In an effort to further strengthen and expand the services of the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ), a vermicomposting facility funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) was established. This facility aims to boost the annual vermicompost output and provide for robust, sustainable production. DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano graced the facility’s inauguration ceremony and unveiling of the marker on 17 April 2024 in Tanay, Rizal. In his message, director Soriano emphasized technology dissemination as a mechanism to drive innovation and safe food production in light of the operationalization of the said facility.Anchored on the sector’s shared goal of a modernized agriculture community, BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ Center Chief Joven P. Espineli underscored the role of the vermicomposting facility in promoting sustainable farming practices. This was concurred with by BSWM chief Dr. Gina P. Nilo, adding how the facility contributes to enhancing soil health and food security. 

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Apr 29, 2024

DA-BAR seminar puts forward strategies and conservation measures for banana and abaca

Banana is among the most important fruit crops in the Philippines with at least 91 distinct varieties. The common banana varieties are Lakatan, Saba, and Latundan. Other unique cultivars include Inabaniko, Pitogo, Ginuyod, Tindok, Moradong Pula, Señorita, and Pisang Seribu.Meanwhile, abaca, the “Manila Hemp”, which is endemic to the Philippines has 400 reported varieties, and 20 commercially important varieties. . However, some varieties of banana and abaca are getting lost, and there must be strategies for their conservation. This was emphasized by Dr. Lavernee S. Gueco, a university researcher from the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños, during the online seminar series organized by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on 18 April 2024 via Streamyard and Facebook Live. According to Dr. Gueco some reasons behind the scarcity of some banana varieties are land conversion, habitat destruction, natural calamities (drought, typhoons, etc.), pest and diseases (Fusarium wilt, BBTV), and replacement with other crops or varieties.Dr. Gueco’s presentation titled, Safeguarding the diversity of banana and abaca at the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, discussed several strategies to protect and conserve banana and abaca varieties are Field genebank, In-vitro conservation, screenhouse conservation, and seed conservation. Field genebank is one of the techniques in the strategy for plant genetic conservation. It is an ex situ method where the genetic resources were maintained outside its original habitat and samples of species, subspecies, or variety are transferred and conserved as living collections. Moreover, in-vitro conservation consists of conserving parts of banana in flasks or tubes in artificial media, under controlled environments, normally in sterile conditions. Screenhouses are agriculture structures covered with high-density plastic netting, and providing protection from the sun, insects, and other pests. “Why is it important to conserve these banana and abaca varieties? Primarily because it ensures the availability of banana and abaca in the future. They are useful for direct utilization, identification of desirable traits, breeding new cultivars, among others,” Dr. Gueco said.

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Apr 29, 2024

UPLB-IAS commences project on sorghum as an alternative feed ingredient

“For those that are involved in the animal industry, all of us know that one of the major challenges for all commodities is the very high cost of production. Often we would say that feed is the highest contributor to that cost,” said Dr. Rommel Sulabo of the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Animal Science (UPLB-IAS) during the inception meeting of project, titled Nutritional Value of Different Sorghum Varieties for Swine and Poultry, on 26 April 2024 in Los Baños, Laguna.The meeting convened the project team, administrative and finance staff from UPLB; representatives from the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR); and industry stakeholders Pilmico and Cargill to level set expectations on the project implementation and ensure its efficient execution.Funded by DA-BAR, the PhP 9M-worth project aims to produce information and package of technology for the effective application of grain sorghum as an alternative feed ingredient in swine and poultry diets in the country. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the animal industry with an alternative and cheaper feed ingredient that would consequently reduce the production cost in livestock raising.Dr. Sulabo explained that the animal industry is highly dependent on corn, with most of the feeds produced having corn as primary cereal grain. The problem with this is that corn is very expensive, on top of the challenges plaguing the industry — fall armyworm infestation and susceptibility to drought. When corn prices spike, the animal industry turns to importing wheat. However, this move also proves to be volatile with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, with the latter considered as a major supplier of wheat. This puts pressure on the industry and surfaces the need to develop feed autonomy.“The value of sorghum is that it is a crop that is drought tolerant. It has ratooning ability. This means that once you harvest the grains, you do not have to re-plant because it will produce another set of cropping. It’s also dual purpose as the grains can go to the monogastric industry, while the silage that can be produced from sorghum can go to the ruminant industry,” Dr. Sulabo explained in a mix of English and Filipino.Cris Paglinawan of Pilmico commended the timeliness of this project’s implementation and raised some points on the possible direction and queries on the project implementation. In response to his queries, Dr. Sulabo explained: “We do know that there are some difficulties in the processing of sorghum. I think this was the previous experience of the industry when it was promoted to us by the US Graining Council. Hindi natin alam paano mag-process ng sorghum dahil maliliit ang grains kaya lumulusot talaga sa hammer mill. Although there are now some processing developments that use a hammer mill to grind [sorghum]. The advantage of the roller mill [remains as it] has uniform grinding compared to the hammer mill.” He reassured the industry stakeholders that previous research endeavors showed the possibility of completely replacing wheat and corn with grain sorghum, and that succeeding projects will undertake feeding trials and feeding demonstrations — to which Dr. Sulabo hopes to collaborate with Pilmico and Cargill.Meanwhile Alexander De Leon of Cargill signified interest in future collaborations.“This is a very exciting project. I see a lot of opportunities for us to collaborate. We can probably combine our experiences in using the ingredient. The bottomline, I think, is the opportunity to help the industry to lower down the cost,” De Leon said.

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