THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Davao through its Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) target to develop 25 more product prototypes this year.
This is on top 85 product prototypes of new technologies that have been developed by FPIC since it was launched last 2014.
The new technologies were mostly used for food production.
DOST-Davao supervising Science research specialist Mirasol Domingo told reporters last Tuesday’s Davao Business Forum at Dermpath, SM City Davao that of all the developed food products, three have been receiving queries from interested local and international buyers.
These are Buko powdered juice, fresh-dried Durian kisses, and porridge.
“We have received inquiries from Singapore, China, Thailand and a national company here in the Philippines for the Buko powdered juice,” she said adding that was developed by the University of the Philippines – Mindanao team.
While for fresh-dried Durian kisses, a China-based and homegrown firms showed interest for the product. The food innovation was developed by the DOST 11 team.
The FPIC has six food product development teams: PWC, UP-Min, DOST-Davao, Davao del Norte State College, SPAMAS Digos and the Davao Oriental Science and Technology State College.
DOST-Davao FPIC project leader Sheryl Napoco, for her part said, buyers for the inventions to be used for food processing are needed for it to be commercialized.
“At present, none of these products have been commercialized because all are still inquiring still, none bought the products yet,” Napoco said.
This year, inventors will be given P50,000 to realize their innovative ideas.
Also, FPIC can serve as hub for research and innovation for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Upon using the center’s equipment, clients should consult first DOST’s technical group.
The P5.3-million FPIC is the first center in the country and is Good Manufacturing Practices-compliant, it is currently housed in Philippine Women's College in Matina, Davao City with co-partners from Department of Trade and Industry, City Government of Davao, and the Food Association of Davao.
At present, FPIC has been replicated in Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas and Cagayan Region. DOST, Napoco said, eyes to establish FPIC in all regions in the country within this year.
The facility has support services including food testing, information, packaging and labeling design, consultancy services, trainings and seminars.
She added that the center will serve as a springboard for Davao’s food processors to reach local and global standards in processing technology. ASP
