THE Banana Peel Entry of Rosalyn Carloto of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU)-Tampilisan bagged the first prize in the Most Innovative Food Technology contest conducted by the Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (Amad) in partnership with JRMSU.

The contest was held Thursday, August 5, at the JRMSU-Dipolog City campus.

Nine of the ten contestants were enrolled students of JRMSU campuses in Tampilisan, Katipunan, Dipolog City and Dapitan City, while the other one was an out-of-school youth from Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Caroloto received an P8,000 cash prize as her entry, Banana Patty Peel, gained thumbs up from the judges with its distinct taste and unique recipe, which eventually earned the top spot among the palatable entries.

Marissa Mohmmad, Amad chief, said Carloto’s schoolmates, Keen Eizzellejames Troyo came in second with his Taro Veggies Balls earning him P5,000 cash prize while Ariane Marcelino placed third with her Cassava-Dragon Fruit Cream Delight receiving P3,000.

All the non-winners received consolation prizes of P1,500 each with certificates.

“Our search for the most innovative food technology will prove how creative and resourceful our youth is when it comes to food preparation and in a way, this will encourage others to come up with unique, healthy and budget-friendly food,” Mohammad said.

Present during the contest were Dr. Daylinda Luz Laput, JRMSU president; DA-Zamboanga Peninsula Operation Chief Reynaldo Campomanes, Amad and JRMSU staff.

The board of judges consisting of Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Maybel Bustaliño, Dofel Alexis Bacuño of DMC College Foundation and Elsen Joseph Belorio of Dipolog School of Fisheries. (SunStar Zamboanga)