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)
