DAFE profs defend R and D program proposal

The en banc proposal evaluation committee of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) conducted an evaluation of the STARDDEC’s endorsed program proposal entitled, “R and D Program for Small-Scale Integrated Coffee Processing System”, on 29 July 2010 at PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna. The evaluation aimed to review and assess the significance and relevance of the proposed R and D program on the regional thrust of enhanced development and improved productivity of the small-scale coffee processing industry and its vital contribution to the sustainable productivity and competitiveness of the coffee industry in the country.

The group who defended the proposal includes Drs. Ruel M. Mojica, Camilo A. Polinga, David L. Cero and Edna dA. Vida. Dr. Marilyn C. Elauria of the University of the Philippines Los Baños is also part of the project. The proposed PhP 7.8 million program proposal consists of four main projects namely:

Project 1: Development and Testing of Microcontroller-Based Coffee Postharvest Machines for Village-Level Operation;

Project 2: Development of Waste Management System for Coffee Processing Wastes and By-Products;

Project 3: Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment of Postharvest Machineries for Coffee; and

Project 4: Establishment of Commercialization Center for Coffee Processing Technologies.

Mojica said the program was proposed to help strengthen the ailing coffee industry in the country. Major beneficiaries of the program includes coffee farmers, small-scale processors, machine fabrication shops, technopreneurs, and those who wanted to engage in coffee processing business.

The group is scheduled to present the same proposal before the Director’s Council of PCARRD on 21 September 2010 for approval. (RMMojica)

Cero talks about climate change

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) conducted its fourth topic of its seminar series entitled, “Seminar on Climate Change: Panahon ng Pagbabago sa Nagbabagong Panahon”, on 24 July 2010 at the CEIT Conference room. This most attended topic of the DAFE seminar series was participated by the students and faculty members of the College of Engineering and Information Technology headed by Engr. Renato B. Cubilla.

Dr. David L. Cero, DAFE faculty member and the CEIT Research and Extension coordinator, served as the resource speaker of the said topic. Dr. Cero, also an environmentalist had already attended several conferences and trainings regarding on climate change. He was also involved in a collaborative research project entitled, “Enhancing the Climate Change Adaptation of LGUs and Scientists in the Philippines.”

Dr. Cero discussed the various issues on climate change as the world’s major environmental problem today. He also talked about the changes in the Philippines and the potential circumstances in the succeeding years if climate change could not be controlled. An open forum followed after the discussion. Engr. Cesar C. Carriaga, DAFE chair, also encouraged the faculty participants to share their expertise and be one of the resource speakers of the DAFE seminar series. (GMCastillo)

CAP attends recognition for Top Ten Next Wave Cities 2010

Dr. Camilo A. Polinga, a faculty member of DAFE, represented the University President, Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, during the recognition ceremonies of the Top Ten Next Wave Cities 2010 held at the Sinulog Ballroom, City Sports Club, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City on 22 June 2010. The Next Wave City project is a collaboration of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) in support to the Philippine Cyber Corridor program of the government. The next wave cities have all the facilities required by the IT-BPO industry players, and is ranked by BPAP. These cities will be the next destination of IT-BPO players that are looking for sites as location of their business center. This year, Metro Cavite ranked 5th among the cities evaluated by BPAP nationwide.

The event was one of the highlights of the Cebu and BPO Conference organized by Cebu Education Foundation for IT (CEDFIT) in celebration of the ICT month.

The invitation of Dr. Chavez was made for being the President of the Cavite ICT Council.

Dr. Polinga is the Project Manager of the CvSU-CICT Projects. (CAPolinga)