THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Cordillera and the Benguet State University (BSU) launched on Tuesday a Food Innovation Center (FIC) located at the Strawberry Farm Compound in La Trinidad town, Benguet province.
DOST Undersecretary for regional operations Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said more than 18 FIC’s nationwide are established, with 2,000 new food products developed in the country.
“New innovative products that will sell in the market FIC is an enabler to do the research even the level that you will test the market. But the idea at the very start is to link with the MSME, do not have the capacity to realize the product with the FIC we have the experts there,” Manzano said.
BSU President Feliciano Calora said it is a high time for the state university to look its responsibilities and its stronger role leading the Cordillera region with quality research.
“We might have a product but if the product is not being bought and not distributed properly, just like research that is placed in the library and not being used. So part of the product development, we would like to introduce our products focusing on our niche commodities,” Calora said.
Calora added that niche communities in Cordillera include strawberries and vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, stringed beans, potatoes and dried sweet potato flour.
Ruth Diego, BSU-Agri Techno Business Incubators director, said it is an opportunity for them working with the small holders to find means to produce new products.
“With this equipment we have seen the difference with the quality and we want to show our small holders entrepreneurs so that will they see a better example we are working to understand the operations of the equipment,” Diego said.
“As of now we are still in product development and they have yet sign memorandum of understanding with the farmers,” Diego added.