By Allan Mauro V. Marfal
Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that among the priorities of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is finding innovative solutions to the existing problems and limitations in various sectors of the country, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture.
“To all potential technology adopters and investors, as you explore the wide array of sciences available, please consider where to direct your efforts and support. We hope you find the technology that will best match the needs of your businesses in your field,” said Sec. Solidum during the Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest 2024 held on August 16, 2024, at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARD), in partnership with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) and Association of PAQE Professionals (APP), the pitch festival showcases technological advancements and solutions pioneered by innovators in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora noted that the country’s rich natural resources and the resilience of our people have always been the greatest assets. However, he is aware of the numerous challenges that our farmers, fisherfolks, and stakeholders face daily.
“These challenges require bold and innovative solutions. The Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest is our collective commitment to addressing these challenges head-on. It is a platform where research meets real-world applications,” said Exec. Dir. Ebora.
Sec. Solidum also called on everyone to extend support to the initiatives of various SUCs and all the involved consortia that bravely challenge existing norms, reject past limitations, and are driven by an unwavering passion to effect positive change in the world.
“The Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest is a powerful reminder that science is truly accessible to everyone, especially those who are driven to make a meaningful impact in the world. This event showcases the ability of science to spark curiosity and foster a hunger for knowledge and inspire people to achieve things without limits, “said Sec. Solidum.
Fall in love with the problems and not your solutions
Sec. Solidum provided advice to the researchers who will pitch their innovative products at this event on how they can achieve success in entrepreneurship.
“Fall in love with the problems and not your solutions. Ano po ang ibig sabihin nito? Kung talagang in love tayo sa problema, we will do all our things to really solve the problem. But if we fall in love with our solutions, what happens, we do not want to share it, we are hesitant to share it. Bumabagal ang adoption ng ating technologies,” said Sec. Solidum.
(Fall in love with the problems, not your solutions. What does this mean? If we are truly in love with the problem, we will do everything we can to solve it. But if we fall in love with our solutions, what happens is that we become reluctant to share them. This slows down the adoption of our technologies.)
He said that researchers and scientists need to keep pace with the fast-paced approach of entrepreneurs because, if they don’t, it will be hard for them to be successful.
Dr. Robert H. Lo, one of the board of directors of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. supported the message of Sec. Solidum. He said that the local inventors and innovators should know the characteristics of the entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurs are always passionate and constantly in a hurry; time is very important to them. Once their passion kicks in and becomes ingrained, they want things to happen immediately. So, there is still a gap, and I think we need to find solutions to bridge the gap between research and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Lo.
He echoed the message of Sec. Solidum that our local technologies need to be impactful and game changers. Dr. Lo also believes that the problems should be tackled rather than solutions being given immediately, and the gap should be identified, and the problems that need to be solved should be determined.
“It might be good to ask our industry partners what research they need; it is beneficial to know what their needs are. Some research projects have not complied with the needs of the industries,” said Dr. Lo.
Sec. Solidum ended by reminding all that investing in technology is not merely about allocating capital; it is about igniting the spark of creativity, fueling the flames of innovation, and unlocking the full potential of human ingenuity.
“Let us sow the seeds of innovation, cultivate a future of abundance, and reap the harvest of a world where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature. Let us unleash the full potential of technology to create a world that is not just smarter, but more equitable, and effective,” said Sec. Solidum.
At the end of the program, awards were given for the best poster exhibits and technology pitches, along with cash prizes. Here is the list of winners for each category.
Best Technology Poster Exhibits Category:
3rd Place- Tibig Leaf Extract-based Meat Tenderizer of the Pampanga State Agricultural University (Php 2,000)
2nd Place- Philippine Carabao Center-Buro Booster (Php 3,000)
1st Place- CoPELT Bioleather from Bohol Island State University (Php 5,000)
Best Technology Pitching Category:
3rd Place- Pili Postharvest Machines of Bicol University (BU) (Php 5,000). The Pili is considered the flagship commodity of the Bicol Region. With that, the Pili Postharvest Machines were put forth to mechanize the operation and increase production capacity and efficiency.
2nd Place- COPELT Bioleather from Cogon Grass of Bohol Island State University- (Php 7,000). COPELT is a plant-based leather that utilizes cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) fibers. It is an innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable bioleather that employs natural binding agents, reinforcing its environmentally conscious approach. The use of cogon grass, an abundant and invasive plant, contributes to the material’s sustainability by repurposing a resource that can otherwise pose environmental risks.
1st Place- Sago Pith Extracting Device (SPED) of Caraga State University (CarSU) (Php 10,000)– A village-level (317kg/hr capacity) SPED developed for rasping or grating the pith from the Sago trunk. It rasps the sago pith using a rotating blade rasper without debarking the log to minimize the steps in the extraction process. (With information from the DOST-PCAARRD)
