In a first for Mindanao, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to implement food-drying technology.
The signed deal calls for the province to implement the drying module—contained inside a 32-foot van and was created and manufactured by the DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)—for the purpose of agri-fisheries value-adding.
‘FoodtriP’
Dr. Romela Ratilla, the director of DOST 10 (Northern Mindanao), stated in a statement that the agency and the provincial government will utilize the mobile modular food processing facility (MMFPF).
The MMFPF, referred to as "FoodtrIP," is a mobile food processing facility that complies with good manufacturing practices. It offers accessibility and flexibility in creating profitable commercial products from locally grown fruits, vegetables, and crops, particularly when abundant.
This transportable facility will manufacture powdered and/or dried materials, such as herbs and spices (garlic, onion, etc.), and emergency food reserves (powdered root crops, vegetables).
Teaching local producers
'FoodtriP ' would also aid farmers with their food loss problems by acting as an on-site food processing training and demonstration facility for agricultural products in the Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, the province’s top vegetable producer.
Additionally, DOST-X and PLGU-MisOr will grant access to the facility to farmers, cooperatives, and other producers. Together, they will run the MMFPF and offer technical support for a long-lasting and efficient functioning.
FoodtrIP is currently at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Agricultural Development Complex in Ane-i, Claveria, following its launch.
