PHilMech to launch three demonstration centers

THREE technology demonstration centers will be set up in Camarines Sur, Leyte and Davao this year by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).
“All of out research and development resources will be launched in the regional centers, depending on their appropriateness for each region,” Rodolfo P. Estigoy, PHilMech Chief Science Research Specialist for Agricultural Extension, Development Communication, Rural Development, told reporters in a briefing in Quezon City on Friday.
“That’s where we will hold our regional training courses appropriate for the areas) for agricultural extension workers, farmer leaders, and agricultural engineers,” Mr. Estigoy said.
Mr. Estigoy said that PHilMech alloted P5 million each for each center, for the initial development stage.
According to Mr. Estigoy, businesses can also invest in PHilMech’s equipment.
“If there are businessmen who want to invest in our new technology, they will just incorporate these to their businesses. We will teach them,” Mr. Estigoy said.
The use of the facilities in the regional centers are free of charge, Mr. Estigoy said.
The equipment to be demonstrated include corn mills, impeller-type rice mills for brown and white rice, cassava diggers, and moisture meters.
“We also accredit manufacturers,” Mr. Estigoy said, referring to manufacturers who are interested in producing PHilMech’s designs.
Farmers, either individual or cooperative members, are welcome to the regional centers, Mr. Estigoy said.
The regional center in Camarines Sur will be the first to be launched on Feb. 20. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio