Projects under Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) went through evaluation as the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) held its 42nd annual in-house review last October 11, 2022.

Eleven (11) projects with area of topics on Agricultural Mechanization, Bio-Process Engineering, Socio-Economic and Policy Research, and Food Protection and Laboratory Research composed this year’s evaluation process.

Four (4) projects were awarded the best paper based on the achievement of objectives, use of appropriate methodology and identification of problems encountered that should be resolved to improve the delivery of its outputs.

These winning projects included (1) Field Testing of CVS-based Mango Sorting Machine by Engr. Arlene C. Joaquin, Dr. Romualdo C. Martinez, and Engr. Richard P. Avila (also granted the Earliest Bird Award for being the earliest paper submitted); (2) Production of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Powder Using Multi-Commodity Solar Tunnel Dryer by Dr. Ofero A. Capariño, Engr. Christian Rod C. De Vera, and Dr. Ma. Cristina B. Gragasin; (3) Molecular Identification of Insects and Mites by Angelo A. Dela Fuente, Nea Ciara P. Fabaleña, and Mark Anthony A. Mangoba; and (4) Brown Rice Processing Enterprise Showcasing PHilMech Impeller Rice Mill Technology by Dr. Michael A. Gragasin, Engr. John Rey A. Cargamento, and Engr. Genaro M. Tolentino.

Guest panel of evaluators from the University of the Philippines–Los Baños (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and former PHilMech director III assessed the selection of best papers.

PHilMech Director IV Dionisio G. Alvindia emphasized the significance of research as it is a vital component in the implementation of the agency’s mandate.

“The backbone of PHilMech is research and development. Let us make our research studies relevant in order to create impact and produce promising results for the benefit of our stakeholders,” he said.

Dr. Alvindia further encouraged the ‘young blood’ in the RD&E sector.

“May this activity inspire our young researchers to conduct and conceptualize such studies that can generate technologies to help address the problems, needs, and concerns of the farmers,” he added.

Other projects presented and evaluated include the following: (1) Establishment of Rubber Sheet Processing System for Farmers of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; (2) Establishment of Abaca Fiber Processing System for Farmers of North Cotabato; (3) Profiling and Characterization of Precursors Responsible for Flavor and Aroma Development in Local Cacao Beans; (4) Verification of Different Preservation Techniques on the Viability and Stability of Short and Long-Term Storage of Microorganisms; (5) Establishment of Rubber Sheet Processing System for Farmers of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato (VCA and Piloting); (6) Establishment of Abaca Fiber Processing System for Farmers of North Cotabato (VCA and Piloting); and (7) Establishment of Baseline Information and Organization of Technology Used in the Production and Postproduction of High Value Crops.

Interim Director for RD&E, Dr. Romualdo C. Martinez together with Engr. Genaro M. Tolentino, acting chief of Planning, Management, and Information Technology Division (PMITD) led the opening of the project review.

The Evaluation and Management Services Section (EMSS) under PMITD of PHilMech organizes the activity annually.