Thirteen research and development projects of the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) were presented and evaluated on the 25th agency in-house review which was held at the auditorium on March 31.
The external evaluators from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Muñoz Science City, Department of Agriculture-Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-CLIARC) and the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna declared the following winners:
First Place
Economic analysis of existing machine service arrangements on corn mechanization
Researchers: Dr. Renita SM. De la Cruz (presenter and project leader), Chonalyn R. Alseco and Dr. Rosendo S. Rapusas
Second Place
Improvement of the handling and transport system of the Malabing Valley Citrus industry
Researchers: Engr. Rodelio G. Idago (presenter), Engr. Rowena Q. Gutierrez (project leader), Dr. Renita SM. Dela Cruz and Dr. Rosendo S. Rapusas
Third Place
Collaborative pilot project on postharvest database and masterplanning
Researchers: Engr. Genaro M. Tolentino (project leader), Engr. Andres M. Tuates, Jr. (presenter), Ailah C. Racoma, Engr. Reagan J. Pontawe and Arnel M. Apaga
Early Bird Award (earliest paper submitted)
Chemical control of Psocids in storage under Philippine condition" was given the Early Researchers: Elijah Z. Davalos, Miriam A. Acda and Agnes M. Wy
Each winning paper was given a plaque of recognition and a cash prize.
The criteria for the best paper were relevance (10%), organization of paper which refers to comprehensiveness, validity of approach and reliability of results (70%) and presentation and confidence (20%). Dr. Romeo Saplaco, chairman, Dr. Clarita P. Aganon and Dr. Orlino Mercado served as the Board of Judges.
The papers presented were grouped into Session 1: Postharvest / Processing Technology Development and Improvement, Session 2: Postharvest Systems Analysis Development and Adaptation and Session 3: Pest Infestation and Mycotoxin Control in Storage. Engr. Ofero A. Capariño, Ms. Celerina L. Maranan, and Ms. Perlina D. Sayaboc served as moderators for Session 1 to 3, respectively. The panel of reactors were (Session 1) Dr. Ponciano S. Madamba and Dr. Joselito V. de la Cruz, (Session 2) Dr. Cesar B. Quicoy and Dr. Ma. Excelsis M. Orden, (Session 3) Dr. Pio A. Javier and Dr. Gorgonio Quimio.
Other papers presented were (Postharvest / Processing Technology Development and Improvement) Promotion of mechanical dryers through BPRE drying center, Application of bulk handling facilities and systems for corn farmers cooperative level of operation in Bukidnon and Isabela provinces, Adaptability testing of existing dryers for non-grain commodities, (Postharvest Systems Analysis, Development and Adaptation) Enhancing the quality of dried fish through the use of multicommodity solar tunnel dryer (MCSTD), Policy study on the regulation of aflatoxin-contaminated corn-based food and feed products, Industry analysis of semi-temperate vegetables in Northern Mindanao for potential adoption of cold chain system, (Pest Infestation and Mycotoxin Control in Storage) Laboratory evaluation of Anthocorid Bugs, Xylocris flavipes Reuter for the control of insect pests in storage, Quality assessment of selected vegetables stored and transported in cold chain environment, and Hermetic storage of hybrid paddy seeds.