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

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech turns over MCSTD for tawilis processing
by Danilo M. Gamalog (July 21, 2011)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the PHilMech turned over last July 7 a Multi-commodity Solar Tunnel Dryer (MSCTD) for tawilis processing to Balete Family Farm School (BFFS) in Balete, Batangas. This is a manifestation of DA's concern to provide the necessary postharvest infrastructure and facilities support to farmers towards an efficient and sustainable agricultural sector.

The BFFS is engaged in various livelihood projects to help finance their scholarship program allowing poor but deserving young girls to get a high school education with an entrepreneurial orientation focused on agriculture. One of the school's livelihood projects is the production of bottled tawilis in corn oil, a product developed through the help of some experts in food processing and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Tawilis, also known as freshwater sardinella, is a fish species that can only be found in Taal Lake in Batangas. The BFFS processing plant for bottled tawilis is located at Brgy. Makina, Balete, Batangas.

"Malaki ang problema namin sa pag-dry ng tawilis dahil malimit na ang ulan, hindi kami maka-dry nang mabilis. Gumamit kami ng mechanical dryer pero malakas ang konsumo (sa kuryente at gaas) kaya hininto rin namin. Kaya sumulat kami kay Secretary Alacala at napakabilis naman ng kaniyang naging tugon (This rainy season, we have difficulty in drying tawilis. We’ve tried to use mechanical dryer however we discontinue using it because of high operating cost. We seek the help of Secretary Alcala and he responded very quickly)," BFFS Directress Edna Siscar said.


The traditional practice during processing of tawilis is direct sundrying to partially dry the freshly caught tawilis prior to cooking and bottling. According to BFFS workers, the products being sundried are exposed to insect such as flies, dust, dirt and other foreign matters, thus they need to closely watch the tawilis to avoid contamination.


With the use of MCSTD, microbial contamination will be lessened with the UV-stabilized plastic cover hence the quality of tawilis will improved. The product will last longer, losses will be prevented, and income will increase.


For maximum utilization of the MCSTD, during the time when tawilis is off-season, PHilMech has recommended BFFS to try drying various crops like kamias, tomatoes, ginger, banana, sweet potato and other commodities that are readily available and abundant in the locality. These crops increased in value when dried and processed. Also, these will provide continuity of hired services and source of income of the people in the locality.


The MCSTD is a viable technology alternative to direct sundrying and use of commercial dryers. It is cheaper in investment and operation cost. It preserves the quality of dried products longer because of lesser microbial contamination. It dries commodities simultaneously, efficiently and hygienically. It is convenient to use and gender friendly being suitable for women users.