Engr. Mendoza-Olpot Concludes Successful Talk on Post-Harvest Engineering at Gourmet Farms Inc. Training

Engr. Richelle Mae D. Mendoza-Olpot, DAFE faculty member, recently concluded a successful session as a resource speaker during the Training on Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops. The event, held from September 24 to 26, 2024, at Gourmet Farms, Inc. in Silang, Cavite, was organized in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region IV-A.

The training aimed to address the persistent issue of post-harvest losses, which account for nearly 40% of produce being wasted due to improper handling. Engr. Mendoza-Olpot's session, held on September 26, 2024, focused on Food Engineering: Equipment and Facilities for Post-Harvest, providing invaluable insights on how modern engineering solutions can mitigate these losses. Her talk emphasized the role of technology and infrastructure in optimizing post-harvest processes, introducing participants to equipment that can help preserve the quality of high-value crops while minimizing waste.

Engr. Mendoza-Olpot's expertise in agricultural engineering and post-harvest technology proved to be a significant asset for the participants, particularly Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) who were keen to apply the knowledge gained to their respective communities. Through practical demonstrations and case studies, she showcased innovations in post-harvest facilities that can be implemented to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of farming practices.

The training not only helped AEWs understand the critical role of post-harvest equipment but also empowered them with tools and techniques to reduce losses and improve profitability for farmers across the region. Participants expressed appreciation for Engr. Mendoza-Olpot’s clear, practical, and forward-thinking approach.

In addition to Engr. Mendoza-Olpot, Ms. Abigail P. Daria, from the College of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Natural Resources (CAFENR), also shared her expertise during the event. Ms. Daria's session, which took place on September 25, 2024, covered the Importance of Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops. Her presentation provided an overview of critical handling techniques that ensure the preservation of produce quality from farm to market, offering strategies that can significantly reduce losses during post-harvest stages.

Both speakers left the participants with a deeper understanding of how proper post-harvest practices and modern technologies can greatly enhance the agricultural value chain.

Engr. Mendoza-Olpot’s participation in the event was a pivotal part of its success, solidifying the role of DAFE in addressing critical agricultural challenges. (VVVergara)

DAFE Faculty and Students Pitch Innovative Agricultural Technologies at ThinkTalk 2024

On September 5, 2024, faculty and students from the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) showcased their innovative technologies during the ThinkTalk 2024: Technology Pitching Competition as part of Cavite State University’s FutuREs Thinking Week 2024. This event marked the culmination of their training from IP Unite 2024 and IP Expedite 2024 workshops, where participants gained essential skills in intellectual property management and technology commercialization.

The DAFE participants included faculty members Engr. John Paulo M. Perido and Engr. Richelle Mae Mendoza-Olpot, graduates Ms. Princess Mariel B. Medina and Ms. Naisy Ann M. Regla, and student Mr. James I. Vergara. Their innovations were presented under the categories of Agricultural Machinery and Apparatus, and Agricultural Products, showcasing the diverse solutions they developed through their training.

Engr. Perido presented CrysTamis (Kaong Sap Crystallizer), an efficient crystallizer designed to produce high-quality sugar from kaong sap. Engr. Mendoza-Olpot introduced PaSaCa (Palm Sap Canister), an improved sap collection system offering greater ease of use and convenience for farmers. Ms. Medina pitched Kalamakers (Kalamay Mixing Machine), which simplifies the process of cooking and mixing Kalamay, reducing the labor-intensive nature of traditional preparation methods. Ms. Regla showcased Pintaya (Spray-dried Dragon Fruit Extract), a vibrant, sustainable powdered pigment derived from dragon fruit. Lastly, Mr. Vergara presented Humidetect (EMC Detection Apparatus), a tool designed to provide real-time data on the temperature and humidity of agricultural products.

In addition, Engr. Vincent V. Vergara, another DAFE faculty member, was tapped to provide his expertise as a facilitator and moderator during the event, ensuring smooth proceedings and insightful discussions.

This competition provided a platform for DAFE participants to highlight their innovations, which hold potential for significant contributions to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Their involvement in ThinkTalk 2024 reinforces DAFE’s commitment to fostering research, technology development, and innovation in the field of agricultural engineering. (VVVergara)

DAFE Faculty Attend 2nd Future Science Leaders' Conference

On September 2, 2024, during Cavite State University’s Futures Thinking Week, the 2nd Future Science Leaders' Conference brought together some of the brightest minds within the institution. Among the selected participants and facilitators were key faculty members from the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE), showcasing their leadership and expertise in the field of agricultural research and development.

Engr. Al Owen Roy A. Ferrera, the Chairperson of DAFE, attended the conference as a representative of the University's Makapuno Research and Development, Innovation and Resource Center (MRDRIC). His involvement in this significant event highlighted his role in steering the university's research agenda toward innovative and sustainable solutions in agriculture.

In addition, Asst. Professor Engr. Vincent V. Vergara was invited to the conference to lend his expertise as a facilitator and moderator. His role was pivotal in guiding discussions and ensuring the smooth flow of the event, allowing for productive exchanges of ideas among the participants.

The participation of DAFE faculty members in the 2nd Future Science Leaders' Conference not only highlights their individual contributions but also reinforces DAFE's commitment to leading in agricultural and food engineering research and education. Through their involvement, department’s profile continues to elevate within the university and beyond, championing innovation and leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology. (VVVergara)