Published August 20, 2024 by The Ripple
After the successful launch of the Upgraded Cacao Processing Center at Cagayan State University (CSU) Lasam, the campus, along with the Lasam Cacao Growers Association (LCGA) competed in the National Search for Ugnay Award, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
The External Evaluation Committee (EEC) for the 2024 Ugnay Award included: Dr. Tereso A. Abella, Aquatic Sector Representative and EEC Chair; Dr. Domingo E. Angeles, Agriculture Sector; Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Natural Resources Sector Representative; Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, DOST Regional Office Representative; Dir. Noel A. Catibog, PCAARRD DC Representative; and Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Internal Screening Committee Chair, who convened at the campus to scrutinize the project.
With the presence of Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, ASEAN Engr., OIC President, and the initiative of Prof. Florante Victor M. Balatico, Campus Executive Officer (CEO) of CSU-Lasam and Prof. Gilbert C. Magulod, Jr., University Knowledge and Technology Management (KTM) Director, Assoc. Prof. Bernard P. Madarang, alongside the LCGA, presented the goals of cacao processing including its enhancements to create various products.
In addition, PCAARRD challenged the willingness of the cacao growers to collaborate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the cocoa growers expressed immediate agreement with the proposal.
Moreover, Assoc. Prof. Madarang, expressed how they overcame challenges related to the marketing of cacao, its popularity in the market, and its profitability.
"Yung mga equipment natin dito is considered shared service facility, so pwede silang makapag-process dito for free. Pero kapag nag-mass [production] sila, pwede silang magbigay kahit a little amount para sa maintenance lang ng mga equipment," Prof. Madarang stated as he emphasized how the center serves as a shared service facility with the cacao growers.
Furthermore, Dr. Ahllyn Cortes-Danguilan emphasized the importance of cultivating cacao trees at home and provided a detailed discussion on the various stages of the project.
The Ugnay Award is a recognition given to the outstanding regional research and development(R&D) consortium for its efforts in addressing regional and national research and technology needs through planning, monitoring and evaluation, resource generation, technology generation, promotion, and commercialization.