DA-10 together with its attached agency, PhilMech, eye for a collaboration on a coco geonet processing project.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) welcomed researchers from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) on May 15, 2024, to tackle possible collaboration for coconut processing project.

In a meeting with DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, PhilMech and USTP researchers pitch a coconut processing facility project, where coconut wastes are developed and turned into geonets, coco pots, among others.

RED Pacamalan affirms the DA-10’s support of the project considering its viability and the economic potential of coconut industry.

Dr. Andres M. Tuates, Jr., Chief of PhilMech’s Bioprocess Engineering Division, said the project will be very beneficial to coconut farmers in the region.

“PhiMech offered this program to DA-10 since (Northern Mindanao) is one of the top producers of coconut in the country. And I am glad that we have received a positive response from Director Pacamalan. We are excited to work with DA-10 and we are happy that we can serve the coconut farmers in the region” Tuates said.

He added one of the goals of this program is to address problems with coconut waste, at the same time, add value to the waste which can serve as an extra income to our coconut farmers.

Together with Dr. Tuates are Dr. Greg M. Cubio, Director of USTP Research Center and Institute and Dr. Arnil C. Emata, a Research Consultant also from USTP. # (CRS)