DOST donates portasol thermal drying trays to 15 farmer orgs

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte---A total of 15 farmer organizations received the Portasol Thermal Drying Trays technology from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

This was during the Memorandum of Agreement Signing and Turnover to the beneficiaries held May 16, at Mareeya-An Event Place, Daet, Camarines Norte.

The beneficiaries are from Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations, and cooperatives including Camarines Norte State College as potential adopters of the said technology.

Provincial Science and Technology Director Hermogenes Miguel G. Pormento said that the Portasol Thermal Drying Trays technology is a simple solution to an old problem and an immediate response to the clamor of farmers for simple, easy, more effective, and homegrown dryers that will put an end to the country’s perennial post-harvest losses.

The said activity is one of the initiatives of DOST Region 5 in order to meet the needs of the local farmers in the province of Camarines Norte.

The activity is in collaboration with 1st District Representative Hon. Josie B. Tallado.

CNSC President graced Dr. Marlo M. de la Cruz, Camilo A. Del Monte, of DAR Cam. Norte PARO and Ruben Mercado from Tallado’s Legislative District Office graced the event.

In other livelihood development, a total of 25 beneficiaries from the Samahan ng mga Magbabalaw sa Baybayin ng Paracale (SMBDP) benefited from the “Training on Balaw Packaging and Labeling” held May 12 at Paracale Municipal Hall, Camarines Norte.

Provincial Science and Technology Director Hermogenes Miguel G. Pormento on his message during Memorandum of Agreement Signing and Turnover to the beneficiaries. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte with photo from DOST)

The beneficiaries are 6 males and 19 females who were trained in proper packaging and labeling of “balaw” or “dinailan.” The training aims to improve the product’s quality and marketability.

DOST-V Supervising SRS Cristopher G. Millena served as the resource person during the training.

The said activity is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology Region V in order to meet the needs of the local fishermen in the municipality of Paracale.

It was graced by the presence of Hon. Romeo Y. Moreno, Municipal Mayor; Hon. Bernadette E. Asutilla, Municipal Vice Mayor; and Hon. Willy Peralta, SB Vice Chairman on Agriculture.