THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) continues to develop innovative solutions for problems and limitations in various sectors, specifically agriculture and aquaculture.
“To all potential technology adopters and investors, as you explore the wide array of sciences available, please consider where to direct your efforts and support. We hope you find the technology that will best match the needs of your businesses in your field,” Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said during the Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest 2024 on August 16 at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.
Led by the DoST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARD), in partnership with the Pampanga State Agricultural University and Association of PAQE Professionals, the festival showcased technological advancements and solutions pioneered by innovators in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sectors.
Meanwhile, PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora said the country’s rich natural resources and the resilience of Filipinos have always been great assets.
“These challenges require bold and innovative solutions. The Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest is our collective commitment to addressing these challenges head-on. It is a platform where research meets real-world applications,” Ebora said.
Solidum also called for support to initiatives of state colleges and universities, and all the involved consortia that challenge existing norms, reject past limitations and driven by an unwavering passion to effect positive change in the world.
“The Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest is a powerful reminder that science is truly accessible to everyone, especially those who are driven to make a meaningful impact in the world. This event showcases the ability of science to spark curiosity and foster a hunger for knowledge and inspire people to achieve things without limits,” Solidum said.
Problems and solutions
The DoST secretary also advised researchers, who pitched their innovations, on how they can achieve success in entrepreneurship.
“Fall in love with the problems, not your solutions. What does this mean? If we are truly in love with the problem, we will do everything we can to solve it. But if we fall in love with our solutions, what happens is that we become reluctant to share them. This slows down the adoption of our technologies,” he added.
Solidum said researchers and scientists need to keep pace with the fast-paced approach of entrepreneurs because, if they don’t, it will be hard for them to succeed.
Robert Lo, one of the board of directors of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., supported the message of Solidum, saying that local inventors and innovators should know the characteristics of entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurs are always passionate and constantly in a hurry; time is very important to them. Once their passion kicks in and becomes ingrained, they want things to happen immediately. So, there is still a gap, and I think we need to find solutions to bridge the gap between research and entrepreneurship,” Lo said.
He echoed the message of Solidum that local technologies need to be impactful and game changers.
“It might be good to ask our industry partners what research they need; it is beneficial to know what their needs are. Some research projects have not complied with the needs of the industries,” he added.
Solidum also said that investing in technology is not merely about allocating capital. It is more about igniting the spark of creativity, fueling the flames of innovation and unlocking the full potential of human ingenuity.
“Let us sow the seeds of innovation, cultivate a future of abundance and reap the harvest of a world where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature. Let us unleash the full potential of technology to create a world that is not just smarter, but more equitable and effective,” he noted.
Awards were given for the best poster exhibits and technology pitches, along with cash prizes:
Best Technology Poster Exhibits Category: First place – CoPELT Bioleather from Bohol Island State University (P5,000); Second place – Philippine Carabao Center-Buro Booster (P3,000); and Third place – Tibig Leaf Extract-based Meat Tenderizer of the Pampanga State Agricultural University (P2,000).
Best Technology Pitching Category:
First place — Sago Pith Extracting Device (SPED) of Caraga State University (P10,000) — A village-level (317 kilograms per hour capacity) SPED developed for grating the pith from the Sago trunk. It grates the sago pith using a rotating blade without debarking the log to minimize steps in the extraction process.
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