Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

MCSTD pushed for tilanggit production
by Erwin S. Embuscado (July 31, 2006)
The MCSTD [multi-commodity solar tunnel dryer], a modified version of the solar tunnel dryer developed by the Hohenheim University in Germany, is now being promoted for tilanggit production in Quirino province.


BPRE adapted the MCSTD as a viable alternative to sundrying and the use of commercial dryers.


A techno-demo project on the use of the MCSTD was launched recently with the collaboration of the Quirino provincial government, Department of Trade and Industry Quirino, PEDAI [Palacian Economic Development Association, Inc.], and the Food Processors Association of Palacian.


The project aims to demonstrate the viability of the MCSTD and promote its adoption among small scale entrepreneurs engaged in the production of dried products.


In a message during the project launching, Congressman Junie Cua personally thanked BPRE for helping him provide additional livelihood for his constituents through postharvest technologies. It was through the congressman that the project was initiated.


Among those present during the launching were Governor Pedro L. Bacani, Vice Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, and Mrs. Cua.

Engr. Ricardo L. Cachuela, BPRE executive director, presented the benefits, components and operation of the MCSTD to the officials of the province and other participants. He also showed the operation of the dryer during a field visit to Brgy. Palacian in Aglipay town.


The officials also tasted the crispy fried tilanggit processed by the Food Processors Association of Palacian, the bureau's collaborator in the promotion of the MCSTD.


The project is assisted by the PEDAI, a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization that provides assistance to local organizations in accessing funding support to implement small and medium scale businesses. It is also BPRE's partner in many of its projects in Quirino province.